Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness among children and is characterised by a febrile illness followed by a sore throat with sores (blisters, ulcers) on the tongue, gums and cheeks, and skin rash on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The disease is usually mild, but more severe clinical presentation with neurological symptoms (meningitis and encephalitis) may occur, sometimes resulting in death.

Viruses of the family Picornaviridae and Enterovirus are the causative agents of HFMD. The enteroviruses most commonly implicated in outbreaks include coxackievirus (CV) 16 and enterovirus (EV) 17, which are both group A enteroviruses. Transmission of these is through direct contact with respiratory secretions (person-to person, fomites, and possibly large particle aerosol) and faecal-oral route. There is currently no vaccine or curative treatment for cases. Public health measures to prevent the spread of the disease include sanitation and general hygiene.

Read more about "Hand foot and mouth disease" in the basic facts section.

Read the latest epidemiological update: 25 May 2010 - ECDC threat assessment: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Asia