Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Contagiousness and Prevention Measures

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a contagious disease caused by enteroviruses, primarily affecting infants and young children. It has a high level of contagiousness. The incubation period is 2 to 7 days, and the sources of infection include patients and asymptomatic carriers. During the peak season, the disease spreads in various ways, primarily through close contact among people. The virus can contaminate hands, towels, handkerchiefs, cups, toys, utensils, feeding bottles, and bedding items, as well as underwear, through industrial waste. Patients are the main source of infection. During the acute phase of the illness, the virus can be excreted from the throat of patients; the virus in the secretions of the throat and saliva of patients can be transmitted through droplets; therefore, we should pay attention to regular sterilization, ventilation, and maintaining an appropriate temperature.
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