PDF of Fact Sheet

This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, August 13, 2009.

What is hand, foot and mouth disease?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by the Coxsackie virus group A. It begins with a mild fever, poor appetite, discomfort, and frequently a sore throat. Painful sores develop in the mouth 1 or 2 days after the fever begins. They begin as small red spots that blister and often become ulcers.   

Most cases occur in the summer and early autumn. The disease most commonly occurs in children 10 years of age and younger but adolescent and adult cases are not unusual. 

How is it spread?

The disease is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat secretions, stool of infected people and airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing. It is not transmitted to or from pets or other animals.

What are the risks to pregnant women?

There is no evidence that infection with hand, foot and mouth disease will cause any adverse outcomes during pregnancy.  However, mothers infected shortly before delivery may pass the virus to the newborn. 

Incubation period and communicability

The incubation period is 3-5 days. The disease is contagious until the sores are completely healed. Stool can remain infectious for several weeks. 

Treatment, prevention and exclusion

There is no treatment for this disease, other than symptom relief. Nearly all patients recover within 7-10 days. Complications are uncommon. 

The risk of infection can be lowered by following good hygienic practices such as: 

• Frequent hand washing
• Proper disposal of contaminated tissues
• Disinfection of all surfaces and items contaminated with stool, nose and/or throat secretions.
• Avoiding unnecessary close contact (kissing, hugging, sharing utensils, etc.) with affected individuals.

Children should be excluded from school or childcare until all lesions have healed.

Revised:  August, 2008