Public Health Agency of Canada
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Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
April 2009
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
What is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness that mainly affects infants and children. It is caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses, including enterovirus 71 and coxsackie A and B.
Cause
Enteroviruses (including coxsackie A and B viruses and enterovirus 71)
Risk to Travellers
Young children are most at risk of being infected with the disease.
Travellers to areas with poor sanitation and overcrowded living conditions are at increased risk.
Severity
The disease is usually considered to be mild and self-limiting.
On rare occasions, can cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain), myocarditis (swelling of the heart tissue), paralysis and can lead to death.
Prevention
There is no vaccine for protection.
Practice good hygiene.
Treatment
There is no treatment. Symptoms can be treated to provide relief from pain of mouth sores, fever and aches.
Symptoms
- Can take 3 to 5 days to appear.
- Usually include fever, loss of appetite, sore throat, malaise, painful sores in the mouth, a rash with or without small blisters on the hands, feet and diaper area.
- In severe cases, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), myocarditis (swelling of the heart tissue), paralysis and death can occur.
Transmission
- Hand, foot and mouth disease is spread by coming into contact with nose and throat droplets, saliva, fluid from blisters and feces of an infected person.
- Travellers are at increased risk if visiting or living in overcrowded conditions.
Where is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease a concern?
Enteroviruses are found worldwide.
The level of risk of infection depends on destination and time of year.
In temperate climates, travellers are most at risk during the summer and autumn months.
In tropical climates, the risk of infection is year-round.
Related Travel Health Notices
None.
Recommendations for Travellers
Practice good hygiene:
- Wash your hands often:
- Use soap under running water, especially after diaper changes or using the toilet.
- Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available - keep some with you in your pocket or purse.
- Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette:
- Cover your mouth and/or nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
- Keep shared items and surface areas clean:
- Clean doorknobs, toys, and other surfaces that many people, especially children, touch on a regular basis.
- Clean doorknobs, toys, and other surfaces that many people, especially children, touch on a regular basis.
Don't Forget…
- Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
- What to do if you get sick when you are travelling.
- What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada.
- Know what vaccines you need and when to get them.
Other Related Information
- Public Health Agency of Canada - Information Sheet on Hand Foot Mouth Disease related to Enterovirus 71
- World Health Organization - Enteroviruses - non polio
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