Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Hand-foot-mouth disease is a common, mild viral illness in humans. The disease causes fever, blister-like sores in the mouth, and a skin rash. In the U.S., it is most commonly caused by a coxsackievirus, which is part of a larger group of viruses called enteroviruses.

Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available for hand-foot-mouth disease.

You can lower your risk of being infected by doing the following:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet. Visit CDC's Clean Hands Save Lives! for more information.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and soiled items, including toys.
• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with people with hand, foot, and mouth disease.

If a person has mouth sores, it might be painful to swallow. However, it is important for people with hand, foot, and mouth disease to drink enough liquids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids). If a person cannot swallow enough liquids, they may need to receive them through an IV in their veins.