Risk of Transmission of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Transmission Timeline and Contagiousness

• Most patients seek medical care during the first 2-4 days of illness, after an incubation period of approximately 5-10 days after exposure, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on guidelines from MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1
• Blisters should generally be left intact if possible as this may help prevent secondary bacterial infection, according to the British Association of Dermatologists 2

Infection Control Considerations

• Standard precautions should be followed, including performing hand hygiene before and after every patient contact, as advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics 3
• Good hand hygiene remains important even as the disease resolves, as emphasized by the American Academy of Pediatrics 3