Study finds new culprit in hand, foot and mouth disease cases

A new study by Chinese scientists reveals a concerning shift in the pathogens causing hand, foot and mouth disease. The research, published in China CDC Weekly, indicates that coxsackievirus A6 is emerging as a dominant culprit, particularly for severe cases in young children.

The study, based on data from 2012 to 2023, highlights the evolving nature of CVA6. The scientists observed a significant increase in the strain's population diversity, potentially contributing to its growing role in outbreaks.

Previously, enterovirus A71 was the primary concern for severe hand, foot and mouth disease. However, the widespread use of an EV-A71 vaccine has led to a decline in those cases. Unfortunately, this success has created an environment for other enterovirus strains like CVA6 to take hold.