Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

What is HFMD?

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infectious disease caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses.

HFMD can affect people of all ages but is especially common in children under 5 years of age.

What are the symptoms of HFMD?

Some of the most common signs of HFMD include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Rash or small blisters on the palms of the hands, inner thighs, soles of the feet, and buttocks
• Sores in the mouth or throat
• Poor appetite
• Tired

Children with HFMD may have symptoms that last for 7–10 days.

What causes HFMD?

HFMD is caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses. It is a contagious disease that can be spread through:

• Saliva
• Nasal discharge
• Blister fluid
• Fertilizer

Children can get HFMD if they touch contaminated toys, share utensils with an infected person, or come into contact with droplets from an infected person when they cough or sneeze.

Because there are many strains of virus that can cause HFMD, it is possible to get HFMD more than once.

What are the complications and associated diseases of HFMD?

In most cases, HFMD is mild and resolves on its own. However, the EV71 strain of the virus can cause complications of the nervous system, heart, and lungs in a small number of cases.

How do you prevent HFMD?

HFMD is highly contagious and is spread through contact with infected droplets. If you know someone with HFMD, try to avoid close contact with them.

You can reduce your child's risk of infection by:

• Teach them not to put their hands or foreign objects in their mouths. Additionally, they should avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Teach them how to wash their hands properly , using running water and soap. They should rub their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Clean the backs of their hands, between their fingers, and under their fingernails.
• Remind them to wash their hands before and after eating, after using the toilet, after touching pets, after sneezing or coughing, and after spending time outdoors.
• Regularly disinfect your home , especially areas your children spend time in. Clean surfaces with soap and a diluted solution of bleach and water.
• Provide personal utensils and cups. Avoid sharing eating utensils, cups, glasses, and toothbrushes.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces. This includes your child's toys, eating utensils, and school supplies.

Note: To avoid spreading the virus, please keep your child home if they have symptoms such as blisters, rash, fever or sore throat.