The hand foot mouth virus is a contagious infection caused by the coxsackievirus, primarily affecting young children and characterized by fever, mouth sores, and rash on the hands and feet.
The virus spreads through direct contact with respiratory droplets, feces, or fluid from blisters. It enters the body through the mouth or nose and multiplies in the throat and intestines. The incubation period ranges days.
The most common cause is coxsackievirus A16, but other enteroviruses like coxsackievirus A6 and enterovirus 71 can also trigger the illness. These strains differ in severity and symptoms.
The virus is prevalent worldwide, particularly in warm, humid climates. It spreads easily in settings like daycare centers and schools. While usually mild, severe cases can lead to complications like meningitis or encephalitis.
Contrary to popular belief, the hand foot mouth virus is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep, and swine. The virus also differs from herpes simplex, which causes cold sores.
A 3-year-old child develops a high fever, followed by painful ulcers in the mouth and a rash on the palms and soles. The child attends a daycare where another child recently had similar symptoms. The diagnosis is confirmed as the hand foot mouth virus, and the child is advised to stay home until the rash disappears.
Citation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease." Updated May 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html