This common virus mostly affects children under age 5

Photo Credits: Caribbean 360, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Name
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Transmission

• A disease caused by the viruses that belong to the Enterovirus group
• The viruses spread:
  • When someone comes in contact with an infected person’s:
    • saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus
    • blister fluid
    • feces
  • Through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes
  • Via contaminated surfaces
• The infection is not related to foot and mouth disease, which affects animals such as cattle, sheep and pigs

Geography
Worldwide, but outbreaks have become increasingly more common in Asia

Incubation Period
3 – 7 days

Signs and Symptoms

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Coughing
• Stomach pain
• Sore throat
• Mouth sores (ulcers)
• Skin rash
• Skin blisters or sores

Diagnosis
Laboratory testing of throat or feces samples

Treatment

• There is no treatment or cure for HFMD, the virus must run its course
• Painkillers can ease the pain and drinking fluids can prevent dehydration

Prognosis

• Most people recover fully within 10 days
• Complications from HFMD are rare but can include meningitis, encephalitis, and neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory problems

Prevention: What Can You Do?

• If you know someone has, HFMD be sure to avoid any direct contact
• People can remain contagious for days or weeks after symptoms disappear and some people, especially adults, may not develop any symptoms so maintaining good hygiene and handwashing will reduce the chance of infection

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease In the News

• Hand, foot and mouth disease: China cases up, Japan cases down in 1st half of 2016
• Outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease