Herpangina is a common viral illness, primarily affecting young children, characterized by the sudden onset of fever and small, painful blister-like sores that develop in the back of the mouth and throat. This condition is caused by specific viruses and typically resolves on its own.
Understanding Herpangina Contagiousness
Herpangina is caused by enteroviruses, most commonly Coxsackievirus A strains, though other enteroviruses like Echovirus can also be responsible. Individuals infected with herpangina are most contagious during the acute phase of the illness, which is when symptoms like fever and mouth sores are actively present. This period of high contagiousness typically lasts one to two weeks, coinciding with active viral replication.
While the acute symptomatic period represents the peak of contagiousness, the virus can continue to be shed in stool for several weeks, sometimes up to two months, after symptoms disappear. The risk of transmission significantly decreases once fever subsides and mouth sores begin to heal. Despite this reduced risk, continued viral shedding means maintaining good hygiene practices remains important to prevent further spread, particularly in settings with young children.
How Herpangina Spreads
Herpangina primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route, which is a common mode of transmission for many enteroviruses. This occurs when microscopic amounts of infected stool are transferred from one person to another, often through contaminated hands, objects, or food. Young children, who may not have fully developed hygiene habits, are especially prone to this type of transmission in environments like daycares and preschools.
In addition to the fecal-oral route, herpangina can also spread through respiratory droplets, which are expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can then be inhaled by others or land on nearby surfaces, leading to indirect transmission.
Direct contact with fluid from mouth and throat blisters, or with contaminated surfaces, can also facilitate viral spread. This is particularly relevant in close-contact settings where children might share toys or interact physically.
Preventing the Spread
Preventing the spread of herpangina relies on rigorous hygiene practices and careful management of infected individuals. Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water is a primary defense, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, and before eating. This practice helps interrupt the fecal-oral transmission route.
Avoiding close contact with individuals experiencing herpangina symptoms, such as kissing, hugging, and sharing eating utensils or cups, is another important preventive measure. Regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, including toys, doorknobs, and countertops, helps to eliminate viral particles that may have settled there from respiratory droplets or blister fluid.
Proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which involves covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or the elbow, also limits the dispersal of infectious respiratory droplets. To minimize transmission, an infected child should remain home from school or daycare until their fever has subsided and mouth sores have healed enough to no longer be painful.