Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Why in news?

• There has been a spike in cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Mumbai.
• As per data provided by the state’s public health department, Maharashtra has reported 250 cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease.

What is Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)?

• Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious infection. It is common in children under the age of 5, but anyone can get it.

Caused by:

• It is most commonly caused by a coxsackie virus, which belongs to a group of viruses called nonpolio enteroviruses.

Transmission:

• These viruses can spread from person to person through direct contact with unwashed hands or surfaces contaminated with feces.
• It can also be transmitted through contact with a person’s saliva, stool, or respiratory secretions.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Which of the following statement is NOT correct regarding ‘Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)’?

(a) It is a highly contagious infection.

(b) It is common in children under the age of five

(c) It is caused by Protozoans

(d) It can spread from person to person through direct contact

Answer