Hand-foot-and-mouth disease

The disease is caused by coxsackieviruses. These belong to the enteroviruses that occur worldwide. The peak of the disease is in the summer and autumn months, especially in the period from June to September.

Where do these pathogens occur?

The reservoir of these pathogens is humans. The incubation period (time of ingestion of the pathogens until illness) is two to eight days.

What are the symptoms?

The formation of vesicles occurs. Particularly affected are the:

• Hands (palms and fingers),
• feet (especially heels, soles and big toes) and the oral cavity. Occasionally, fever also occurs. Usually the blisters heal after 1 week.

What measures can protect?

Particularly thorough hand washing should be observed to exclude contact infections. Managers of community facilities should notify the responsible health and consumer protection office in the event of frequent occurrences of hand-foot-and-mouth disease.