From the Research
The incubation period of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) typically ranges from 3 to 10 days from the time of infection to the onset of symptoms, with a median incubation period of 4.4 to 5.7 days in different age groups. This range is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which estimated the incubation period of HFMD from school outbreaks in Hong Kong 1. The study found that the estimated median incubation periods were 4.4 (95% CI 3.8-5.1) days, 4.7 (95% CI 4.5-5.1) days, and 5.7 (95% CI 4.6-7.0) days for children in kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools, respectively.
Some key points to consider about the incubation period of HFMD include:
- The incubation period can vary depending on the age group, with secondary school students potentially having a longer incubation period than younger children 1
- The disease is caused primarily by enteroviruses, most commonly Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71, which replicate in the gastrointestinal tract before spreading to other parts of the body 2, 3, 4
- HFMD is most contagious during the first week of illness, but infected individuals can spread the virus before showing any symptoms and can continue to be contagious for days or weeks after symptoms resolve 3, 4
- Understanding the incubation period of HFMD is important for preventing outbreaks, especially in childcare settings where the disease spreads easily through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces 3, 4, 1
It's worth noting that while the incubation period of HFMD can range from 3 to 10 days, some cases may develop symptoms as early as 2 days after exposure, while others might take up to 10 days 2, 3, 4. Additionally, HFMD can occur in individuals of all ages, not just children, and can be a self-limiting disease in adults as well 5.