Hand-foot-mouth disease is a contagious illness that strikes predominantly infants and children that is characterized by fever, mouth sores, and a rash with blistering. Two types of viruses cause the disease. The majority of cases are due to several members of the Coxsackie virus group (subtypes A16, A5, and A10). A type of enterovirus designated as enterovirus 71 also causes the disease, but is of minor importance.

The name of the disease has caused confusion with the well-known hoof and mouth disease. However, hand-foot-mouth disease is entirely different from hoof and mouth disease that strikes cattle, sheep, and swine, causes entirely different symptoms, and which is caused by a different virus.

The disease was initially described and the viral agents determined in 1957.

Hand-foot-mouth disease begins with a general feeling of being unwell. A mild fever, poor appetite, and sore throat leads within a few days to the appearance of sores in the mouth. The blister-like rash develops soon thereafter on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, on the inside of the mouth, and sometimes on the buttocks. The hands tend to be involved more than the other regions of the body. These symptoms are more inconvenient than threatening to health. Recovery is typically complete within a week or two. Rarely, a stiff neck and back pain reminiscent of meningitis can lead to hospitalization. This precaution is prudent, since one of the enteroviruses that causes hand-foot-mouth disease, enterovirus 71, can also cause viral meningitis. During outbreaks of hand-foot-mouth disease, cases of viral meningitis can concurrently appear.

Children fewer than ten years of age are most susceptible. However, the disease can occur in adults as well. In children the fever, which can peak in the range of 103 to 104° F (39.4 to 39.9° C), is a concern. Also, the sores in the mouth can discourage children from eating and drinking. Thus, an important aspect of managing the disease is the maintenance of a sufficient diet.

The disease is contagious and can be spread from person to person by direct contact with nose or throat fluids. There is no geographic restriction on the occurrence of the disease. There is some seasonal distribution, with the majority of cases being reported during the summer and early fall.

Treatment of hand-foot-mouth disease is confined to the relief of the symptoms, and observance of good hygienic practices to minimize the spread of the virus. Antibiotics are useless, given the viral nature of the disease. An actual cure, such as a vaccine, does not yet exist. Even if specific immunity to one episode of the disease has been produced, a subsequent infection with a different subtype of Coxsackie virus can cause another bout of the disease. In this sense, hand-foot-mouth disease is similar to the immune variation that is the hallmark of influenzae viruses.