A number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease have been reported in Herne Bay and Whitstable, sparking a warning to parents.

The highly contagious condition - which mainly affects young children - causes blisters around the mouth, hands and feet.

Several cases have been reported in nurseries and schools in the area.

Mum Lucy Watts says her three-year-old daughter Ronnie was left covered in “horrendous” blisters and unable to eat for days.

“She had a fever that came from nowhere, with a temperature of 39.9C,” said the 31-year-old from Whitstable. “But she didn’t seem ill as such.

“Her temperature subsided after a few days, so she went back to school for two days. Then on the Saturday she went downhill rapidly.

“She was shivering and pale, and I noticed red spots on the back of her throat and it was sore in her mouth.

“On Sunday, she woke up with a rash all over her mouth - her hands, legs and feet were covered in blisters.

“I rang 111 - I knew it was hand, foot and mouth by this point but just wanted to be sure. I’m 22 weeks pregnant, so I really didn’t want to catch it.

“We went to Estuary View, who were amazing. Ronnie hadn’t eaten in four days so we had to give her as many fluids as possible.

A few days later, she was back to her normal cheerful self.

“I’d never seen so many blisters - it’s the most horrendous thing ever. There have been a few cases at her nursery - it seems to be everywhere at the moment. My niece caught the disease from my little girl.”

Although hand, foot and mouth usually affects children, it can be caught by adults. It is also possible to contract the disease more than once, though it usually clears up on its own within seven and 10 days.

Herne Bay Infant School is among those to have reported recent cases of the illness - with Public Health England confirming it has been asked for advice by several Kent schools.

Head teacher Bernadette Lax said: “There have been three confirmed cases of hand, foot and mouth disease at Herne Bay Infant School since September.

“Although it is classed as a mild illness, NHS guidance recommends keeping a child at home until they are feeling better to avoid passing it to their classmates, and this is what we would recommend. The school will monitor the number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease but no other action is required at present. Any parents or guardians who have concerns are welcome to speak to school staff.”

Whitstable Day Nursery has also seen cases of the illness in recent weeks.

A spokesman said: "Our practice is that children should stay off when they are contagious and have spots - otherwise instead of just one child catching it, it can affect lots of children.

"And that can mean more parents having to stay off work to take care of them.

"It's really unfortunate. We get it every year, usually around this time."

Several schools in Kent have contacted Public Health England for advice.

A spokesman said: "The infection can cause a sore throat, high temperature and loss of appetite, as well as mouth ulcers and a rash after a few days. The infection normally clears up by itself in seven to 10 days. Keeping hydrated, eating soft foods, and taking age-appropriate doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen will help relieve your child’s symptoms.

“To stop hand, foot and mouth disease from spreading further, practice good hand hygiene and keep your child off school until they get better. If you are worried about your child’s symptoms, contact your local GP or call NHS 111."

More information about the disease is available on NHS Choices, at www.nhs.uk/conditions/hand-foot-mouth-disease.

For more information, visit the NHS website.

If you’re concerned about symptoms, call your GP or 111.