News Life

We may now know when hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks will occur

Analysis of immunity rates and birthrate in Japan reveal outbreak patterns for enteroviruses

an illustration of coxsackieviruses

SO PREDICTABLE  The behavior of enteroviruses, such as coxsackieviruses (illustrated) that cause hand, foot and mouth disease, was thought to be unpredictable. But a new study suggests forecasting outbreaks is easier than was thought.

Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

Enteroviruses, including the ones that cause hand, foot and mouth disease, trigger outbreaks in predictable patterns.