Often seen as a common childhood illness, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) impacts can extend far beyond the early years. As a highly contagious viral infection, HFMD poses significant risks in schools and communities where close contact, shared facilities, and crowded environments allow the virus to spread quickly.
Recently, Eastern Visayas State University-Main Campus confirmed five cases of HFMD among students from the Secondary Laboratory School (SLS). In response, the university has temporarily shifted to asynchronous class for a week to conduct thorough sanitization and ensure a safe learning environment for the students.
What exactly is HFMD and why does it pose such a serious concern for the university community?
HFMD is caused by several types of enteroviruses, most commonly Coxsackievirus A16, Coxsackievirus A6, and Enterovirus 71. While it primarily affects children under five years old, older children and adults can also be infected. Transmission occurs through droplets from coughing or sneezing, contact with contaminated objects or surfaces, and even exposure to an infected person’s stool.
The illness usually begins with mild flu-like symptoms—fever, sore throat, and runny nose—before progressing to painful mouth sores and rashes or blisters on the hands, feet, buttocks, and sometimes the knees and elbows. Most patients recover within one to two weeks, but complications can arise in rare cases, including meningitis, encephalitis, and heart inflammation. Some patients may also experience temporary nail loss (onychomadesis) or vision changes due to eye involvement. Studies further suggest possible links between severe HFMD and other health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, kidney issues, and Kawasaki disease. Notably, even individuals without visible symptoms can still transmit the virus, especially during the first week of infection, making prevention more challenging.
In university settings, HFMD can easily spread in shared spaces such as classrooms, laboratories, and cafeterias, where close proximity and common surfaces heighten the risk. The virus can survive for hours on objects like tables, doorknobs, and gadgets. To reduce exposure, students are encouraged to practice frequent handwashing, carry alcohol-based sanitizers, regularly disinfect their belongings, and avoid sharing personal items such as tumblers or utensils. Those feeling unwell should also limit physical interaction to prevent infecting others.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD. Management focuses on rest, hydration, and medication to relieve fever and pain. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for antiviral therapy or supportive care for respiratory and circulatory complications.
To control outbreaks, the Department of Health (DOH) recommends isolating infected individuals for at least seven to ten days or until they have fully recovered. Prevention remains the best protection through proper hygiene, frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces, avoiding the sharing of personal items, and maintaining good ventilation in both schools and homes. Environmental factors such as poor air quality, strong winds, and overcrowded conditions may also contribute to wider transmission.
Recent scientific developments bring hope through vaccination. In China, a vaccine targeting Enterovirus 71 has shown about 97% effectiveness among children. Researchers are now working on multivalent vaccines that target multiple HFMD-causing strains, including EV71, CVA16, CVA6, and CVA10. These experimental vaccines employ innovative methods such as virus-like particles, recombinant proteins, and DNA or RNA-based technology. Early trials show promising protection that could significantly reduce global HFMD cases once approved.
While HFMD is generally mild and self-limiting, it should not be underestimated. With early detection, responsible isolation, and consistent hygiene practices, schools and communities can work together to prevent further outbreaks and safeguard public health.
Article by Kyla De Paz