Download Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease - El Paso County Public Health

Public Health Fact Sheet
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?
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It is a common illness caused by multiple, different viruses.
It is most common in children under 5 years of age, but can sometimes occur in adults if they have
not previously been exposed to those viruses.
It is not usually a serious illness in children, however, some young children may get dehydrated if
they are not able to swallow enough liquids because of painful mouth sores.
People can develop the disease more than once if exposed to a different virus type.
What are the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease?
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Hand, foot, and mouth disease is characterized by the appearance of small blister-like sores in
and around the mouth, on the palms and fingers, and on the soles of the feet.
Other common symptoms are fever, sore throat, and poor appetite.
Some people, especially adults, may show no symptoms at all, but they can still pass the virus to
others.
How is hand, foot, and mouth disease spread?
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It is spread by close personal contact with nose and throat secretions, blister fluid, and feces.
It can be spread through the air by coughing and sneezing.
Indirect contact with contaminated objects and surfaces (like toys) can also spread the illness.
How is hand, foot, and mouth disease treated?
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There is no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Sores will usually fade on their own after 7-10 days.
Symptoms can be relieved by taking over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and fever
(Caution: aspirin should not be given to children).
If a child cannot swallow liquids, has a dry mouth, and decreased urine output; medical care
should be obtained ASAP.
Mouthwashes or sprays that numb mouth pain can be used to relieve the symptoms of painful
mouth blisters.
How is hand, foot, and mouth disease diagnosed?
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Health care providers can usually identify mouth sores caused by hand, foot, and mouth disease
by considering patient age, symptoms, and how the rash and mouth sores look.
Depending on how severe the symptoms are, samples from the throat or feces may be collected
and sent to a laboratory to test for the virus.
How do I prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease?
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Exclusion from school or child care is NOT necessary except in children with weeping sores, blisters in the mouth who drool, or children who have a fever.
Children with a fever should be excluded from child care until they are fever-free for 24 hours
without the use of fever reducing medication.
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet.
Clean and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and soiled items, including toys.
Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with people with
hand, foot, and mouth disease
More information on hand, foot, and mouth disease: www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/
1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (719) 578-3199 www.elpasocountyhealth.org