Question
The child at home is suspected of having hand, foot, and mouth disease, and there is concern that other family members may also be infected. Additionally, there are questions about the incubation period and the possibility of repeated infections.
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is common in children under the age of 5 and can cause blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth. In rare cases, it may be accompanied by complications such as myocarditis, pulmonary edema, and aseptic meningitis. Severe cases that progress rapidly can lead to death. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by enteroviruses and usually begins with a fever of about 38°C. The oral mucosa develops concentrated blisters the size of grains of rice, which are very painful. The infection spreads quickly.