Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is usually caused by the coxsackie A virus, but it can also be caused by the enterovirus 71 or other types of coxsackie viruses.

It is thought that the virus first spreads to tissue inside the mouth near to the tonsils and also down to the digestive system.

The virus can then spread into nearby lymph nodes (glands) and then throughout the body via the blood. The immune system (the body’s defence against infection) controls the virus before the virus can spread into vital organs such as the brain.

How HFMD spreads

The viruses that cause HFMD can be spread in much the same way as the common cold.

They are contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone with the disease coughs or sneezes. These droplets hang suspended in the air for a while, then land on surfaces. Anyone who touches these surfaces can spread the virus by touching something else.

People usually become infected by picking up the virus on their hands from contaminated objects and then placing their hands near their mouth or nose. It is also possible to breathe in the virus if it is suspended in the air.

The viruses are unable to spread in this way once a person’s symptoms have passed.

However, the viruses can remain in the stools of an infected person for up to four weeks after the symptoms pass. This means a person can still pass the hand foot and mouth disease on to others if they do not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet and they then touch objects that are handled by others.

You can also become infected with hand foot and mouth disease if you have contact with fluid from the blisters or saliva of someone who is infected.

Glossary

Sneezes

Sneezing is an involuntary expulsion of air and bacteria from the nose and mouth.

Faeces

Faeces (also known as stool) make up the solid waste matter that is passed from the body as a bowel movement.