Algoma Public Health
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
What is it?
- HFMD is an infection caused by the Coxsackie virus. Though it mostly affects young children, it can occur at any age.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms start 3 to 6 days after contact with an infected person and can include:
- Fever, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, lack of energy, vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Small painful ulcers in the mouth
- A skin rash that looks like red spots, often with small blisters on top, that appear on the hands (palms) and feet (soles), buttocks and sometimes other places on the body, usually lasting 7 to 10 days.
How quickly do symptoms develop?
- Within 3-5 days after coming in contact with an infected person.
Related Documents
En Français Contact Us!
Sault Ste. Marie: 705-942-4646
Blind River: 705-356-2551
Elliot Lake: 705-848-2314
Wawa: 705-856-7208
How is it spread?
- By direct contact with nose and throat discharges fluid from blisters and stool of infected people.
- By indirect contact with contaminated toys, objects or surfaces
- From coughs and sneezes of an infected person
How long is it contagious?
- During the acute stage of illness and perhaps longer, since the virus stays in the stool for several weeks.
- Child may return to school/daycare when the fever is gone and feeling well enough to participate. Those with open mouth sores or oozing blisters should not attend.
How is it treated?
- There is no specific treatment. Your health care provider may recommend an over-the-counter drug such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever or pain. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
What can you do?
- Wash hands – especially after using toilet, changing diapers and before eating.
- Discard soiled tissues and diapers promptly.
- Do not share facecloths, towels, eating utensils or drinking glasses.
- Control sharing of toys and/or use washable or disposable toys
Date of Creation: June 1, 2015
Last Modified: November 20, 2025