The blisters break in 1-2 days and leave sores or ulcers in the mouth and throat. Blisters also develop on the palms and soles and between the fingers and toes. One-fourth of those affected will develop a rash on the buttocks. A headache, loss of appetite, and occasional abdominal pain may occur. Transmission Hand, foot and mouth is usually transmitted in mucus droplets produced by a cough or a sneeze.
Exposure also occurs through contact with contaminated feces from infected persons.
It is contagious during the active stage of the disease and may be found in the stool for several weeks. Precautions to take include washing hands well after handling mucus discharges or feces for seven days after symptoms begin. The incubation period, from exposure to the first symptom, is usually 3-5 days. A physician diagnoses hand, foot and mouth disease based on clinical symptoms of fever, mouth blisters and the patient s medical history. The blisters or sores on the palms and soles distinguish hand, foot and mouth disease from other viruses.