Preventive Strategies of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Children: A Review

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness primarily affecting children under 5, caused mainly by enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and Coxsackievirus A16. Although typically mild and self-limiting, HFMD can lead to severe complications such as encephalitis, pulmonary edema, and even death. The disease has become a significant public health concern, par ticularly in the Asia-Pacific region, including Indonesia. This review outlines the epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies for HFMD. Diagnosis is generally clinical; however, laboratory tests may be needed for atypical or severe cases. Current management is supportive, focusing on symptom relief, while severe cases may require advanced therapies. Preventive measures, including hand hygiene, breastfeeding, and environmental sanitation, have been shown to reduce transmission. Although no specific antiviral is currently available, inactivated EV-A71 vaccines developed in China show over 90% efficacy in preventing severe HFMD. This review highlights the need for comprehensive pre ventive strategies, including vaccine implementation, to reduce the HFMD burden and prevent complications in children.