[Odynophagia, fever and rash in a 33 year-old woman]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Hand-Foot-Mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness, predominantly affecting children under 10.
• It is caused by enteroviruses, most commonly Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71.
• HFMD typically presents with fever, sore throat, and a characteristic rash on the hands, feet, and mouth.

Observation:

• This case involves a 33-year-old immunocompetent adult.
• The patient presented with symptoms consistent with Hand-Foot-Mouth disease.
• Adult cases of HFMD are uncommon, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.

Findings:

• The diagnosis of Hand-Foot-Mouth disease was confirmed in an adult patient.
• This presentation is unusual given the typical pediatric demographic and rarity in immunocompetent adults.
• The case highlights the potential for atypical presentations of common childhood illnesses.

Implications:

• This case expands the known clinical spectrum of Hand-Foot-Mouth disease.
• It underscores the importance of considering HFMD in adults presenting with characteristic symptoms, regardless of immune status.
• Further research may be warranted to understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of adult HFMD.