Overview

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that commonly affects infants and children under 10 years of age. It is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, which infect millions each year, globally. Small outbreaks often occur in daycare centres or crèches during the summer and autumn. The condition is generally mild and self-limiting, meaning those affected typically recover within 7 to 10 days. Hand, foot, and mouth disease does not occur in animals and should not be confused with foot and mouth disease (also called hoof-and-mouth disease), which affects animals such as sheep and cattle.

How It Spreads

• Direct contact – Touching an infected person’s saliva, nasal secretions, or blisters.
• Droplets – Coughing or sneezing spreads the virus in the air.
• Contaminated surfaces & objects – Shared toys, stationery, and utensils.
• Contact with faeces – Poor hand hygiene after using the toilet or changing diapers.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually start 3 to 7 days after infection and last 7 to 10 days. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Small blisters on the inside of the mouth, sides of the tongue, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet.