Final answer:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious disease that usually affects infants and children, caused by enteroviruses and marked by symptoms like sores in the mouth and a rash on hands and feet. It is highly contagious, and prevention focuses on good hygiene like frequent hand washing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common infectious disease primarily affecting infants and children younger than five years old, although it can sometimes occur in adults. It is typically caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, particularly Coxsackievirus A16.
Common symptoms include a fever, reduced appetite, sore throat, and after a day or two, painful sores in the mouth. A rash on the hands and feet, sometimes with blisters, can also develop. It is a contagious illness that spreads through contact with an infected person's respiratory secretions, fluid from blisters, or stool.
To prevent the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease, good hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing are important, especially after changing diapers or after contact with an infected person's saliva or nasal secretions. Disinfecting contaminated surfaces and avoiding close contact with infected individuals are also crucial preventive measures.