Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common illness caused by a virus, usually the coxsackie A virus. However, in some cases, it can also be caused by the coxsackie B or the enterovirus 71. These viruses all belong to one group, known as enteroviruses.
Hand, foot and mouth disease gets its name from the rash that develops on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. It can also cause sores in your mouth.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is very contagious (easily spread) and it is common in children under 10 years of age. However, sometimes adolescents and adults can also be affected. Most adults are immune to the coxsackie A virus as they have been previously exposed to it during their childhood. When adults develop the disease, they tend to experience milder symptoms compared with children.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is not the same as foot and mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep and pigs. The two infections are unrelated, and you cannot contract hand, foot and mouth disease from animals.
