Fact Sheet Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by a virus Coxsackievirus disease, also known as hand, foot, and mouth disease, usually affects the inside of the mouth and the palms of the hands, fingers, and soles of the feet. Young children are primarily affected, but it may be seen in adults.
Most cases occur in the summer and early fall.
Outbreaks may occur among groups of children especially in day care centers or nursery schools. 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.