What Is Coxsackievirus?
5. Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Serotype A16 of Coxsackievirus causes hand-foot-and-mouth disease. It is named after its primary symptoms, which include painful blisters inside the mouth and a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Other symptoms include fever, sore throat, irritability, and refusal to eat. Finger and toenails may fall off as a normal part of recovery. Although similar in name, this condition is unrelated to the viral foot-and-mouth disease contracted by livestock.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is common among children between the ages of 3 and 10. It can be contracted at any age, but most older children and adults acquire immunity after their initial exposure. It is considered a mild illness with few complications. It is prevalent at daycare centers, where it is spread by children who are not potty-trained. Outbreaks typically occur during summer and fall in the US.
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