“What causes the hand foot mouth disease?”
There have been about 6 cases of HFMD in my daughter's school, and I'm scare that my daughter would be diagnosed with it as well. What is the main cause of this disease? How can we prevent it, and what symptoms should I look out for?
3 Answers
Foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a childhood contagious illness, with an incubation period of three to six days. Easily spread from person-to-person. It is caused by an enterovirus, Coxsackievirus A type 16 (CVA16). Clinical presentation includes sore throat, nasal secretions, fever, feeling unwell painful, plus loss of appetite. Red, blisters on the tongue, mouth, and red rash that at times may form a blister involving the palms of hands, soles of feet and buttocks
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is due to a Coxsackie A virus, highly contagious by direct contact and airborne to some extent. There is no vaccine or treatment. The symptoms and signs include fever, sore throat, and red to blistering rash that includes the palms and soles. The rash can be painful. Children and adults with this disease should stay home and avoid contact with others until the rash resolves. The best prevention is to avoid contact.
Viruses
