What are the sources of transmission for hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Disease description:
I am a mother of a 3-year-old child. Recently, several cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease have occurred at the kindergarten, and I am very concerned that my child may become infected. I would like to understand the sources of transmission for hand, foot, and mouth disease in order to better prevent it.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious illness caused by enteroviruses. It mainly spreads through patients with HFMD, asymptomatic carriers, contaminated objects, and environments.
1. Patients: Individuals with HFMD are the primary source of infection, especially during the early stage of illness. The patient's saliva, blister fluid, and feces may contain large amounts of virus and are highly contagious.
2. Asymptomatic carriers: Some people become infected with the virus but do not develop obvious symptoms. However, they can still transmit the virus, making it difficult to detect and control the spread.
3. Contaminated objects and environments: The virus can spread via toys, utensils, towels, and other items contaminated by a patient's secretions, or through droplets released into the air. Healthy children may also become infected if they come into contact with these contaminated objects or environments.
In daily life, try to minimize contact with children from neighboring households who are ill, especially during the early phase of their illness. It is also important to teach children to wash their hands frequently, particularly before meals, after using the toilet, and upon returning home. In addition, it is recommended to regularly disinfect children's toys, eating utensils, and other personal items, and to maintain cleanliness in the home environment. If a child develops symptoms such as fever, oral ulcers, or rashes on the hands and feet, seek medical attention promptly and isolate the child to prevent spreading the infection to other children.
