Question
Can hand, foot, and mouth disease spread to adults?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease, which primarily affects children under 3 years old, can also infect adults. This illness is caused by a group of enteroviruses, including Coxsackievirus A and B types, as well as Echovirus. Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease in adults are usually mild and may include fever, sore throat, and skin rashes on the hands and feet. To prevent transmission, adults should take appropriate disinfection measures after contact with a patient and maintain good personal hygiene habits.