How long does the virus which causes hand.foot.mouth disease live on inanimate objects? I realize it is mostly transmitted by saliva, contact with infected kids, etc, but wondered if we should be cleaning our church nursery toys again, since the breakout of HFMD, which are used one day per week. Thanks! Holly
Hello, Welcome to Chat Doctor, Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a disease caused by intestinal viruses like Coxsackievirus and Retrovirus.HFMD is a common and highly contagious viral infection that typically causes a mild febrile illness followed by a maculopapular rash that may involve the skin of the hands, feet, and oral cavity. This is not transmitted by the animals. As this is a viral disease which gets better on its own and there is no specific curative treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease. Pain from the sores can be reduced with the use of analgesic medications and this can last for 1 week. Thank you.