The incubation period is usually 3-5 days. The virus is spread primarily from the feces of infected persons to the mouth of the next person. Direct contact with the skin blisters may also spread the virus. The rash appears as ulcers in the mouth, on the inner cheeks, gums, sides of the tongue, and as bumps or blisters on the hand, feet, and sometimes other parts of the skin. The skin rash may last for 7-10 days.
People can spread the disease when they are shedding the virus.
The primary means of transmission is from the feces. The virus can be shed for several weeks after the onset of infection. The virus is also shed from the mouth and throat when a person has cold-like symptoms. The virus has also been found in the fluid from the skin blisters.