Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
(Coxsackie viral infection)
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection caused by a strain
of Coxsackie virus. It causes a blister-like rash that, as the name implies,
involves the hands, feet and mouth.
Who gets hand, foot and mouth disease?
Usually this occurs in children under 10 years old, but occasionally
can occur in young adults.
How is it spread?
The virus is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges
and feces of infected people.
What are the symptoms and when do they start?
Symptoms of fever, poor appetite, runny nose and sore throat can appear
three to five days after exposure. A blister-like rash on the hands, feet
and in the mouth usually develops one to two days after the initial symptoms.
When and how long can someone spread the disease?
A person is contagious when the first symptoms appear and may continue
until the blister-like skin lesions disappear. The virus has been known
to be shed in the stool for up to several weeks.
How is hand, foot and mouth disease diagnosed?
The diagnosis is generally suspected based upon the appearance of blister-like
rash on hands and feet and mouth in a child with a mild febrile illness.
Although specific viral tests are available to confirm the diagnosis,
they are rarely performed due to expense and length of time needed to
complete the tests.
Does a prior infection with Coxsackie virus make a person immune?
Specific immunity can occur, but a second episode is possible from a
different subtype of Coxsackie virus.
What is the treatment?
There is no specific treatment. Treatment is aimed at fever control
and maintaining good oral hydration.
Can there be complications associated with hand, foot and mouth disease?
The illness is typically mild, complications are rare.
What can be done to prevent the spread of this disease?
Children who feel ill or have a fever should be excluded from group
settings until the fever is gone and the child feels well. Thorough handwashing
and care with diaper changing practices is important as well.
Is there a risk for pregnant women?
There is debate as to any congenital disorders related to Coxsackie
viral infections and pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult their obstetrician
for further information.
Updated: April 1996
Source: NY State Department of Health
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