Pardee Elementary Reopens Amid Hand, Foot, and Mouth Outbreak

UPDATE: Pardee Elementary School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, has reopened today after a brief closure due to an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease affecting over 20 students in the past week. The school was closed on October 29, 2025, as a precaution to ensure a deep cleaning and sanitization of classrooms and common areas.

This urgent closure was implemented to protect the health and safety of both students and staff against the highly contagious viral illness. Superintendent Mark Kleinhans reached out to parents and guardians in a letter detailing the situation. He emphasized that hand, foot, and mouth disease is prevalent among infants and children, presenting symptoms such as fever, mouth sores, and blistering rashes.

In an interview with Local 4, Kleinhans stated,

“The best course of action was to close the building and get it cleaned.”

This decisive action aims to minimize further spread of the illness within the school community.

The Wayne County Health Department has advised parents to promote good hygiene practices, including proper handwashing, covering sneezes, and regularly cleaning toys and surfaces to curb the transmission of the virus. They also recommend that children exhibiting fever, draining sores, or mouth sores that prevent saliva control should remain at home to avoid spreading the illness in group settings.

As schools across the nation continue to face similar outbreaks, the reopening of Pardee Elementary marks a critical step towards restoring normalcy for students and families. Authorities stress the importance of staying vigilant and informed as they navigate this health concern.

Parents are encouraged to stay updated on the situation and take necessary precautions to safeguard their children. For more detailed information on hand, foot, and mouth disease, refer to local health resources.

As developments continue, communities are urged to monitor health advisories closely and ensure that children are healthy before returning to group environments.