What virus is known to cause hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is primarily associated with specific strains of viruses, most notably Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. While Coxsackievirus A16 is one of the most commonly identified causes of the disease, both this virus and Enterovirus 71 play significant roles in its overall epidemiology.

Coxsackievirus A16 is particularly relevant because it primarily affects young children and is responsible for the characteristic symptoms of the disease, including sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. This virus is part of the enterovirus family and is highly contagious, typically spreading through direct contact with an infected person's saliva, blister fluid, or feces.

Enterovirus 71 is also known to cause hand, foot, and mouth disease, and while it frequently causes more severe outbreaks, the symptoms can be very similar to those caused by Coxsackievirus A16. This means that while both viruses are key players in the context of hand, foot, and mouth disease, Coxsackievirus A16 is often specifically noted for its association with milder cases.

Influenza virus and herpes simplex virus do not cause hand, foot, and mouth disease; therefore, they are not relevant