Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Individual cases of this disease are not reportable. All outbreaks are Immediately reportable to the local health department.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an illness caused by a virus and is more common in summer and early fall. This illness is usually mild. HFMD is seen more often in children under age five, but adult cases are not unusual. Outbreaks frequently occur among groups of children such as in childcare and preschool settings. The virus that causes HFMD can be found in the throat, nose, stool, and in the blister fluid of an infected person. HFMD is spread from an infected person to others through close personal contact such as kissing or sharing items used for eating and drinking. It can also be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Contact with stool or contact with contaminated objects can also spread the virus. Symptoms include tiny blisters in the mouth, on the fingers, palms of the hands, buttocks and soles of the feet. Common cold symptoms may also be present.

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Last Reviewed: 10/9/2024