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May 24, 2013
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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (cont.)

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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Causes

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is generally caused by coxsackievirus A-16, which is a member of the enterovirus family. There are other types of enteroviruses that can cause the symptoms as well, but these are less common. Children usually become infected with the virus from other children in an oral-fecal pattern; that is, infection is acquired from exposure to oral secretions (nasal discharge, saliva, etc.) or to stool. The incubation period (time between exposure and symptoms) is usually five days.

Picture of characteristic rash and blisters of hand foot and mouth disease
Picture of characteristic rash and blisters of hand foot and mouth disease

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