Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)


Hand, foot, and mouth disease transmission routes
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by an intestinal virus infection, characterized by a rash of scattered maculopapular and vesicular lesions on the hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks. Generally, the prognosis is good. The disease is quite contagious, primarily spreading through the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and close contact. Therefore, during peak seasons of hand, foot, and mouth disease, children should stay at home and avoid crowded places and playing with children who have the disease. The highest incidence of this disease is among children under three years old, so it is essential to pay attention to the prevention and health care of infants. If a child in kindergarten is found to have the disease, they should rest at home and not return to the kindergarten immediately.


How to disinfect hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an acute infectious disease caused by a viral infection. It mainly spreads through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, and close contact. Being in contact with a carrier or a child with the disease can result in transmission. It is important to properly handle the infected child's feces and other excretions. Clothes can be soaked in a 3% bleach solution and exposed to sunlight. Keep the room well-ventilated. Other contaminated daily items, such as toys or closely contacted objects like dishware and children's eating utensils, should be disinfected promptly.


Late-stage symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an acute infectious disease caused by enterovirus infection. Generally, there are more than twenty types of enteroviruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease, but the most common are Coxsackie virus A16 and enterovirus 71. The initial symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease are blisters in the hands, feet, and mouth; some cases include fever, while others do not. In later stages, the disease may exhibit recurring fevers, and the blisters on the mouth, hands, feet, and buttocks may burst and crust over. After crusting, the blisters gradually heal, but in some cases, the disease can progress to severe cases. For instance, complications such as encephalitis, brainstem encephalitis, myocarditis can occur, and some cases may develop neurogenic pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhage, and circulatory failure, among others. However, such severe cases are generally rare.


How to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by enteroviruses, with over 20 types, commonly Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. These viruses are mainly transmitted through respiratory and digestive tracts, such as through droplets, hand-mouth contact, and lack of hygiene, leading to infection. To prevent this disease, first, avoid contact with individuals infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease. Second, ensure good ventilation in rooms and avoid crowded places. Additionally, it's best to clean and disinfect utensils and daily necessities. During the epidemic period, try to minimize visits to public places.