PARENTS have been sent warning letters following an outbreak at a school of a virus which affects the hands, feet and mouth.

St Werburgh's CE Primary School in Kingsley sent out information on Thursday following "two or three" cases of hand, foot and mouth disease among younger children.

Parents have been told to keep their children at home if they develop any symptoms and to encourage regular hand washing.

The disease is common among children under 10 and is not the same as foot and mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep and pigs.

Symptoms include small or grey blisters in the mouth, cheeks, gums and side of the tongue.

The incubation period is three to six days.

Sores may develop on the palms of hands, soles of feet and between the fingers and toes. Most adults are immune to the virus, though it may cause problems during pregnancy.