ABSTRACT

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral infection primarily affecting children, commonly caused by enteroviruses like EV71 and CV-A16. It presents a significant public health challenge, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, leading to hospitalizations and fatalities, particularly in children under 5 years old. The disease burden includes strain on healthcare resources, economic impacts, and long-term health consequences. Diagnosing HFMD involves clinical assessment and laboratory tests to confirm the viral presence. Symptoms include fever, skin rashes, and oral vesicles, with severe cases requiring early identification for effective treatment. Complications can range from mild skin lesions to severe neurological issues and fatalities, especially in EV71-associated cases. Preventing HFMD involves promoting hand hygiene, maintaining public cleanliness, and implementing surveillance systems for early outbreak detection. Research focuses on vaccine development and public health interventions to reduce the impact of HFMD. Collaboration among healthcare providers, public health agencies, and researchers is crucial for effective HFMD control and prevention. Understanding the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, diagnosis, and complications of HFMD is essential for developing preventive strategies and effective management. Continued research and collaboration are vital in addressing the challenges posed by HFMD and reducing its impact on individuals and healthcare systems.