An elementary school in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, was closed Wednesday due to a spike in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease among students. 

Dearborn Heights School District Superintendent Mark Kleinhans sent a letter to parents on Tuesday explaining that Pardee Elementary School on Pardee Avenue would be closed Wednesday for cleaning and sanitation of classrooms and common areas after "numerous reported cases" of the contagious ailment. The goal is to reopen the school building on Thursday. 

"Because Hand-Foot-and-Mouth disease is highly contagious, we are taking this proactive measure to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff," his letter said. 

The Wayne County Health, Human and Veterans Services office reported later that there are about 30 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease at Pardee Elementary School, and that the investigation is continuing. 

"We are working closely with school officials to provide public health guidance and support. Families are encouraged to monitor children for symptoms and keep ill students home until they are fever-free and feeling better," the health department said.

Pardee Elementary has about 370 students in grades 4 and 5.

Elsewhere in the Metro Detroit area, there were two cases of hand, foot and mouth disease reported at a Southfield school in September. 

What is hand, foot and mouth disease?  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says hand, foot and mouth disease is usually not serious. But it is very contagious and therefore can spread quickly among school and day care settings. There is no vaccine available for this particular group of viruses.  

To prevent the spread, people should avoid close contact with an infected person, clean and disinfect shared items such as toys, and wash their hands frequently with soap and water.  

Most children who contract the virus will show symptoms for seven to 10 days.  

The symptoms can include:

• Fever.
• Sore throat.
• Painful mouth sores that might blister.
• Rash on the hands and feet.