Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Overview

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

• Definition: HFMD is a contagious viral infection commonly seen in young children, marked by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.

• Causes:

  • Primarily caused by enteroviruses, particularly Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71.

• Transmission:

  • Spread through direct contact with:
    • Respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes.
    • Fluid from blisters.
    • Contaminated surfaces.
    • Fecal matter.
  • Higher incidence among children under 5 years but can affect older children and adults.

• Symptoms:

  • Fever (usually mild)
  • Sore throat
  • Painful sores or ulcers in the mouth
  • Rash on hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks
  • Loss of appetite
  • General malaise

• Diagnosis:

  • Based on clinical presentation and symptoms.
  • Laboratory tests are rarely needed but may be done for severe cases.

• Treatment:

  • No specific antiviral treatment; management focuses on relief of symptoms:
    • Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
    • Oral hydration to prevent dehydration
    • Topical treatments for mouth sores

• Prevention:

  • Good hygiene practices:
    • Frequent handwashing with soap and water.
    • Disinfecting surfaces and objects.
    • Avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
  • Isolation of infected individuals during active illness.

• Complications:

  • Rare, but may include:
    • Viral meningitis
    • Encephalitis
    • Dehydration due to difficulty swallowing

• Prognosis:

  • Generally mild; most recover fully within 7 to 10 days without complications.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

• Highly contagious viral infection
• Primarily affects young children, but can occur in older children and adults
• Caused by enteroviruses, especially Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71
• Spreads through contact with respiratory droplets, blister fluid, contaminated surfaces, or fecal matter
• Symptoms:
  • Fever (generally mild)
  • Sore throat
  • Painful sores or ulcers in the mouth
  • Rash on hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks
  • Loss of appetite
  • General malaise
• Diagnosis:
  • Typically based on symptoms
  • Laboratory tests are rarely needed, but may be considered for severe cases
• Treatment:
  • No specific antiviral treatment; focus on symptom relief
  • Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
  • Oral hydration to prevent dehydration
  • Topical treatments for mouth sores
• Prevention:
  • Good hygiene practices:
    • Frequent handwashing with soap and water
    • Disinfecting surfaces and objects
    • Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
    • Isolate infected individuals during active illness
• Complications:
  • Rare, but may include:
    • Viral meningitis
    • Encephalitis
    • Dehydration
• Most patients recover fully within 7 to 10 days.