Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, also known as HFMD, is a common viral infection primarily affecting children under the age of 10. Caused by the coxsackievirus, this mild illness can cause discomfort due to its unpleasant symptoms, but it is generally not considered life-threatening.
The Coxsackievirus
Coxsackievirus A16 is a prevalent virus that is responsible for causing hand-foot-and-mouth disease. This virus falls under the category of non-polio enteroviruses. While there are other organisms in the same family, such as enterovirus 71, that can also lead to this infection, they are more commonly found in children residing in East and Southeast Asia. The Coxsackievirus is known to be more widespread during the summer and fall seasons, although it can still spread throughout the year in tropical climates.
How Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spreads
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious and can easily spread through various means of person-to-person contact. This includes coughing, sneezing, and direct physical contact. Additionally, the virus can be transmitted through the fluid from blisters, saliva, and even stool. Surprisingly, the virus can also survive on surfaces, allowing it to be contracted by individuals who touch objects or surfaces previously touched by someone infected with the virus.
Due to its ease of transmission, hand-foot-and-mouth disease is particularly common in daycare settings and other childcare environments. This is because young children have a tendency to put their fingers in their mouths, making them more susceptible to contracting the virus.
It is important to note that adults can also spread the virus, even if they do not exhibit any symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Furthermore, children are contagious during the first week of their infection, even before visible symptoms appear. Even after the symptoms have subsided, the virus can remain in the body and continue to infect others for several days or even weeks.