TELANGANA REUTERS, HYDERABAD, 11Th August, 2026 : Hand, Foot, Mouth and Disease (HFMD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by an oral enanthem and a macular, maculopapular, or vesicular rash of the hands and feet caused by enteroviruses of Picornaviridae family.
Most commonly caused by Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71.
Other cause Echovirus
It is common below 5 years of age. Sometimes older kids and adults also can get infected. Humans are the only carrier. The disease is spread by fecal-oral, oral-oral, and respiratory droplet contact. The patient is most infectious during the first week of illness; however, an active virus may be present in the stool for up to 4–8 weeks.
Incubation is of 3–7 days. HFMD is common in daycare centres. HFMD is a clinical diagnosis based on the presentation of a low-grade fever, sore throat, malaise with a maculopapular or papulovesicular rash on the hands and soles of the feet, and by painful oral ulcerations. The diagnosis of HFMD is usually made clinically.
The virus can be detected in the stool for about 6 weeks after infection; however, shedding from oropharynx is usually <4 weeks.
Samples should be obtained for cell culture or nucleic acid amplification [polymerase chain reaction (PCR)] and other tests.
Management is supportive, directed toward the relief of pain, lowering of fever, and adequate oral hydration because of the self-limiting nature of HFMD. Admission and intravenous fluids if the child is unable to taking orally, dehydrated, clinically ill, or in case of CNS or cardiac complications.
Complications Persistent stomatitis with painful ulcers severe enough to cause dehydration. CNS complications (more common with Enterovirus 71 than Coxsackievirus): Rhombencephalitis
(brainstem encephalitis), acute flaccid paralysis, aseptic meningitis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, acute cerebellar ataxia, and benign intracranial hypertension. Interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary hemorrhage. Myocarditis and pancreatitis
Onychomadesis
Prognosis of HFMD is excellent. Most of the cases recover within few weeks without residual sequelae. Acute illness lasts for 10–14 days. Some may develop serious complications.
Prevention
Proper hygiene—handwashing after contact with patient and after diaper handling. Handwashing most important. Avoid close contact and sharing of utensils and cups with infected persons.
Proper disposal of wastes
Disinfect toys + Surfaces + Doorknobs
Keep sick child home from school/daycare
No sharing cups, spoons, towels for hygiene.
Dr.B.Brundha Reddy
Pediatric Consultant
Founder of Arkaa Children’s Clinic , Hyderabad
Clinic number : 9502516622
