10/23/2025
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease that occurs most often in children but can also occur in adolescents and occasionally in adults. In most cases, the disease is mild and self-limiting, with common symptoms including fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet and buttocks. However, more severe symptoms such as meningitis, encephalitis and polio-like paralysis may occur.
HFMD is caused by viruses that belong to the enterovirus family. However, coxsackievirus A16, a type of enterovirus, is typically the most common cause of HFMD in the United States.
To prevent the spread of HFMD, the CDC recommends hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. If a close loved one is infected, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially with unwashed hands, may help reduce the chance of getting sick. HFMD can spread quickly at schools and day care centers.
To learn more about Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), please see the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html
To learn more about Genesis Reference Labs’ molecular testing offerings which include using real time PCR to identify coxsackievirus, and other important pathogens, please call: (844) 510-0194.
