THE CAUSES AND TRANSMISSION OF HFMD (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease)

Causes

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a highly contagious infection among the children. It is caused by viruses from the Enterovirus genus, which is polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and other enteroviruses.

The most common cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease IS Coxsackievirus A16.

Enterovirus 71 has also been associated with cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Enterovirus 71 has been associated with severe disease, such as encephalitis as well. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. 

Coxsackievirus A16

Transmission

The viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease can be found in an infected person’s :

· nose and throat secretions (such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus)

· blister fluid

· feces

You can get exposed to the viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease through

· close personal contact, such as hugging or kissing an infected person

· the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes

· contact with feces, such as changing diapers of an infected person

· contact with contaminated objects and surfaces

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is not transferred or transmitted from animals. 

Children under the age of 5 years are most at risk of catching HFMD as their immune system is not fully developed yet. Where their antibodies to fight against the disease is not secreted by their B cells.