An outbreak of a common virus known as hand, foot and mouth disease has turned campers at Westport?s Mahackeno Outdoor Center into shut-ins.

Camp officials sent children home with letters this week after a child was diagnosed with the Coxsackie A virus. Camp organizers say 110 out of 320 campers showed symptoms of the virus and have been banned from camp until they get clearance from their doctors. The Coxsackie A virus is spread through saliva, coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include blisters on or near the mouth, feet and hands. Nausea, vomiting and fever can also show up. Doctors say symptoms clear on their own in 99 percent of patients.

Health officials say the best line of defense against the virus is for people to thoroughly wash their hands.