Kamloops-Thompson school district has stepped up its cleaning efforts after reported cases of hand, foot and mouth disease.

Michelle Marginet, the district’s manager of health, confirmed Tuesday that cases have been reported at Westmount elementary school in Kamloops and at Logan Lake elementary school.

“It’s not an uncommon thing this time of year,” said Marginet.

“It’s contagious, but it’s also fairly easily controlled if there’s good handwashing and surface-contact cleaning, which is what we really work on in schools.”

Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by certain viruses and typically affects children under 10.

Symptoms range in severity from a fever to painful blisters on the inside of the mouth and small red spots on hands, feet and sometimes on the buttocks. But, it is also is possible to have the infection and have no symptoms.

Notices have gone out to parents of the affected schools.

Staff are also sanitizing toys and other surfaces daily at the two schools.