Hand Foot And Mouth Disease Updates
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.
Disease Transmission
- 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.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Cases in 2025
Since the beginning of February 2025, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases have been reported in educational institutions in the eThekwini District. These cases have been found in primary schools and daycare centres in the district’s northern region.
Recent Updates
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers about hand foot and mouth disease
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), that affects animals (e.g. sheep, cattle).
HFMD is usually diagnosed on a clinical basis, but if symptoms are severe, samples from the throat or stool samples may be collected and sent to a laboratory to test for the virus.
There is no specific vaccine or treatment for HMFD. Individual symptoms such as fever and pain from sores can be treated with medication. Affected individuals are encouraged to rest and drink plenty of water. The infection is usually self-limiting and clears without medication after 7 to 10 days. A small minority of individuals with HMFD may need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment of complications. Infected individuals with severe disease or complications must go to the nearest healthcare facility.
Educators and parents should encourage good hygiene such as regular hand-washing and not sharing eating utensils (e.g. cutlery, cups, toothbrushes). Regularly clean surfaces and other shared items such as toys and stationery. Children should avoid direct contact with persons who are ill. Affected children should not be excluded from school if they are well enough to attend, and there is no indication to close schools/cases when cases occur.
Yes, there are different viruses and viral strains within the enterovirus group, that are responsible for causing hand foot and mouth disease. If you have been infected by one type of virus, it doesn’t protect you from catching another type later. There are also several other diseases that may present similarly to hand foot and mouth disease. If you are concerned about your symptoms, consult with your healthcare provider.
