Is hand, foot and mouth disease contagious on contact?

It is not a given that contact will lead to infection, but when HFMD occurs close contact is possible. Children with HFMD and those with latent infection are the main sources of infection, and it can be widely spread through feces, throat secretions, saliva and herpes fluid of infected people. Close contact transmission is an important mode of transmission of HFMD, which is caused by contact with virus-contaminated hands, towels, toiletries, toys, cutlery, milk containers, bedding and underwear. In addition, there is respiratory droplet transmission, and transmission through the digestive tract, such as drinking or eating contaminated water and food can be infected. When a rash appears on the hands, feet, mouth, buttocks, etc., it is necessary to go to the pediatrics, dermatology or infectious disease department in a timely manner; when the condition is critical and the symptoms are severe, it is necessary to go to the emergency department immediately.