Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a highly contagious infection. It’s caused by viruses from the Enterovirus genus, most commonly the coxsackievirus. These viruses can spread from person-to-person through direct contact with unwashed hands or surfaces contaminated with feces. It can also be transmitted through contact with an infected person’s saliva, stool, or respiratory secretions. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is characterized by blisters or sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. The infection can affect people of all ages, but it usually occurs in children under age 5. It is generally a mild condition that goes away on its own within several days. Severe cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) may require medical attention, but the condition usually clears up without intervention. It is often confused with foot-and-mouth disease, which affects livestock but cannot infect humans. HFMD is most common ...