Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a condition that typically affects young children in the U.S., most commonly via Coxsackievirus A16--a member of the Enterovirus genus.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning and Prevention
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness, particularly among young children.
This guide will teach you about the symptoms, how it spreads, and effective prevention methods.
Symptoms of HFMD
- Mouth sores
- Rash on hands and feet
- Fever
- Malaise
In rare cases, complications can include:
- Viral meningitis
- Encephalitis
- Loss of fingernails or toenails
Modes of Transmission
HFMD spreads through:
- Direct contact with contaminated blister fluid or hands
- Respiratory secretions (e.g., coughs or sneezes)
- Contact with contaminated objects
- Fecal transmission, often due to poor hand hygiene after changing diapers or using the restroom
Epidemiology
HFMD outbreaks are global but predominantly occur in the U.S.'s daycare centers and elementary schools.
However, several large U.S. universities have recently reported outbreaks.
Factors contributing to these outbreaks include sharing of equipment and inadequate cleaning.
Recent Outbreaks
In the U.S., HFMD occurs almost exclusively in daycare centers and elementary schools among children--likely due to the lack of handwashing, combined with a child's habit of putting things in their mouth that are shared with other children.
However, recent outbreaks have been reported at several large U.S. universities.
[...] so far this year, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, Dartmouth, West Virginia University, Lehigh University, Wesleyan University in Connecticut and Mars Hill University in North Carolina and other schools have all reported outbreaks.
So far, 129 students at the North Baltimore campus have been diagnosed with the illness.
While the possibility that a variation of the enterovirus genus has caused the current widespread outbreak that students were not exposed to as children, environmental and behavioral causes are more likely.
College students routinely share equipment, facilities, and other resources that are challenging to clean and disinfect, such as:
- Desk, chairs, and other furniture, especially in classrooms and dining areas.
- Vending machines, water fountains, and;
- Electronic equipment, including lab computers, keyboards, and mice, or sharing cell phones, laptops, and tablets.
Preventing the Spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Careful, relative quarantine and isolation of known-contagious individuals combined with increased hand hygiene and surface disinfection is the best way to prevent outbreaks.
To prevent the spread of HFM, keep kids home from school and childcare while they have a fever or open blisters on the skin and in the mouth.
Hand washing is the best protection. Remind everyone in your family to wash their hands well and often, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper, and before preparing or eating food. Shared toys in childcare centers should be cleaned often with a disinfectant because many viruses can live on objects for a few days.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
You can lower your risk of being infected by doing the following:
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and soiled items, including toys, [and;]
Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with people with hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) - Prevention and Treatment
Green Cleaning Tips for HFMD
- Ventilation: Ventilate rooms before cleaning.
- Safety Equipment: Ensure cleaning staff wear appropriate safety gear.
- Start High: First, use microfiber and certified green cleaning products to clean fans and vents.
- Disinfect: Use EPA-certified Category IV disinfectants.
- Two-Bucket Method: Employ this method and color-coded microfiber towels to minimize cross-contamination.
- Electrostatic Systems: Use computer equipment and desks to achieve thorough cleaning efficiently.
- Promote Handwashing: Keep occupants informed about the importance of regular hand washing.
References
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Hand-foot-and-mouth disease - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353035
- Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. (2019). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html
Takeaway
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease can cause issues with everyone--children to adults--which range from benign and a feeling of malaise to complications as severe as meningitis.
Cleaning and disinfecting HFMD outbreaks should be done with certified green cleaning products to avoid aggravating symptoms or toxifying the environment, especially children's toys and other high-contact surfaces, which can lead to accidental ingestion and a host of other health issues.
Due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, it is recommended that only experienced personnel with the proper training and equipment be tasked with cleaning and disinfecting the contaminated areas.
If you would like to learn more about environmentally friendly cleaning and prevention methods for hand, foot, and mouth disease--contact us today for a free quote!
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