What can be done to prevent the disease?

HFM disease is a contagious infection. Careful hand washing after using the toilet or changing a diaper can decrease the spread of the infection. Hands should also be washed well before food preparation. Children and toddlers should be taught good hygiene. Children with HFM disease are contagious for about a week. They should be kept out of day care or school until the fever is gone and the mouth ulcers have healed.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

HFM disease is a mild illness without major long-term effects. If the brain is affected in the severe form of the virus, serious neurologic or developmental problems can result.

What are the risks to others?

HFM is a contagious disease that is easily passed from one person to another. The virus may be found in the person's respiratory secretions for up to 2 weeks. It may also be found in the stool for up to a month after the disease starts.