NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam

What virus causes hand-foot-mouth disease?

1. Rhinovirus

2. Coxsackie virus

3. Influenza virus

4. Herpes simplex virus

The correct answer is: Coxsackie virus

Hand-foot-mouth disease is primarily caused by the Coxsackie virus, particularly the Coxsackievirus A16 strain. This viral infection is most commonly found in young children and presents with symptoms like fever, sore throat, and a characteristic rash or sores in the mouth, as well as on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. While rhinoviruses are responsible for the common cold and can lead to respiratory symptoms, they are not associated with hand-foot-mouth disease. Influenza viruses lead to seasonal flu outbreaks and present with respiratory symptoms, again not linked to the hallmark signs of hand-foot-mouth disease. Herpes simplex viruses primarily cause oral and genital herpes, making them unrelated to this specific disease. Thus, the association of the Coxsackie virus with hand-foot-mouth disease solidifies it as the correct answer, as it is the virus that directly leads to the syndrome characterized by the typical rash and oral lesions seen in affected individuals.