Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a highly contagious childhood illness that can occur at any time of the year, but is most common in the spring and summer. It spreads quickly and easily, so it's important to understand the ways in which it can be transmitted in order to prevent its spread.
1. Transmission through food and drink
The virus that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease is found in the intestines, so transmission through contaminated water or unhygienic/ expired food is a major way in which it spreads. Bacteria can spread rapidly through contaminated water or food and infect babies.
2. Airborne transmission
The virus in the throat secretions and saliva of infected individuals can be transmitted through respiratory droplets. When several babies are together and speaking, the virus can unknowingly spread through respiratory droplets.
3. Contact transmission
The intestinal virus that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease can be transmitted indirectly through contact with contaminated hands, towels, handkerchiefs, cups, utensils, bottles, bedding, underwear, etc. Healthy babies who come into contact with these items may be at risk of infection. Additionally, crowded places like kindergartens and training centers can facilitate rapid spread of the virus, so extra caution should be taken by teachers and parents.
During the peak period of hand, foot, and mouth disease, outbreaks are common in kindergartens and daycares, as well as in households. Cross-infection in outpatient clinics and inadequate disinfection of oral instruments can also contribute to the spread of the disease. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid taking children to public places during this time. Children have weaker immune systems and are more susceptible to infection, so handwashing and proper ventilation of rooms are important to prevent airborne transmission.
