Patient's question:
A 5-year-old child, without fever, has a small rash on their hands, feet, and mouth. The rash is more prominent on the knees and inner thighs. After taking medication for a week, the rash has completely disappeared. How long can they play with other children without spreading the infection?Doctor's answer:
Patients with hand, foot, and mouth disease, as well as potential infected and asymptomatic carriers, are the main sources of infection. During outbreaks, patients are the primary source of infection. In the acute phase, patients excrete the virus in their feces for 3-5 weeks and in their throat for 1-2 weeks. Healthy carriers and mild sporadic cases are the main sources of infection during intermissions and outbreaks.Guidance: Children who still carry the virus within three weeks after treatment and discharge can still transmit the virus and should be isolated at home for three weeks.