How contagious is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in adults?

From the Research

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is highly contagious among adults, and they can transmit the virus to others even with minimal symptoms. The virus spreads easily through close personal contact, respiratory droplets, contact with contaminated surfaces, and exposure to bodily fluids like saliva, fluid from blisters, and feces. Adults can be contagious from a few days before symptoms appear until fever subsides and blisters dry up, typically 7-10 days total.

Key Points to Consider

• The high contagiousness of HFMD stems from the causative enteroviruses (typically Coxsackievirus A16 or Enterovirus 71) which can survive on surfaces and spread efficiently through multiple routes 1.
• To prevent transmission, adults should practice frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid close contact with infected individuals, disinfect commonly touched surfaces, avoid sharing utensils or cups, and stay home from work or public places while symptomatic.
• Having a child recently diagnosed with HFMD is a risk factor for HFMD in adults, whereas keeping pets may be a protective factor against HFMD 2.
• Adults may act as the main infectious source of trans-regional spread of HFMD, highlighting the importance of hygiene practices and preventive measures 2.

Prevention and Control Measures

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
• Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces
• Avoiding sharing utensils or cups
• Staying home from work or public places while symptomatic

Important Considerations

• Adults often have milder symptoms or may be asymptomatic carriers, but they can still effectively transmit the virus to others, making hygiene practices essential even with minimal symptoms 3, 4, 5.