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TERWEISON Baby and Child Clinic |
Cause of HFMDThe common cause of HFMD is the infection with coxsackievirus A16. The coxsackievirus belongs to a group of viruses called nonpolio enteroviruses. Other types of enteroviruses are also the root of the cause for HFMD sometimes. Oral ingestion is the main source of coxsackievirus infection and causes HFMD. HFMD is a viral infection that usually affects babies, children and sometimes adults. HFMD can lead to fever, blistering rashs on the hands and feet, mouth sores, sore throat, and a poor appetite. HFMD is contagious and often causes illness within 3 to 7 days after exposure to an infected person. Proper hand-washing, avoiding close contact, and cleaning contaminated surfaces and items can help reduce the spread of the disease. HFMD is spread from person to person by direct contact with the nasal discharge(caused by runny nose), saliva, faeces and fluid from the rash of an infected person. Both adults and children can be affected, but young children below five years of age are particularly vulnerable. Below is a picture of Coxsackie virus  |