What Causes HFMD?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is often caused by a strain of coxsackievirus, most commonly coxsackievirus A16.

The coxsackievirus is part of a group of viruses called enteroviruses.

In some cases, other types of enteroviruses can cause hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Viruses can be easily spread from person-to-person.

You or your child may contract hand, foot, and mouth disease through contact with an infected person’s:

Saliva	Fluid from blisters
Respiratory droplets sprayed into the air after coughing or sneezing	Direct contact with unwashed hands or a surface containing traces of the virus.