Hand, foot and mouth disease
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Fact sheet - Health conditions directory
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is usually a mild illness that occurs mainly in young children, but can also affect older children and adults. It is caused by a number of different enteroviruses, particularly coxsackieviruses. People can be infected with these viruses but not develop symptoms of the disease. Outbreaks of HFMD can occur among groups of children, for example in child care centres. It is not related to the foot- and-mouth disease that affects cattle, sheep and pigs.
Last updated: 5 June 2023
