Last Updated on November 16, 2023
What is Coxsackie?
Coxsackie is a virus that causes Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, which appears as a blister-like rash on the hands, feet, or mouth. The infection usually occurs in children under 10 years of age and is common in children under 5 years old 
. Occasionally, it can occur in young adults. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is caused by viruses that belong to the Enterovirus family . Coxsackievirus A16 is typically the most common cause of HFMD in the United States. Coxsackievirus A6 may cause more severe illness.
Preventing the Spread of Coxsackie
The CDC states that Coxsackie is usually spread by direct contact with an infected person’s:
- Nose and throat discharges (such as saliva, drool, or nasal mucus): Respiratory droplets containing virus particles can be transferred when a sick person coughs or sneezes
- Fluid from blisters or scabs: Through close contact like kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils
- Feces: Such as when changing diapers, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
Someone can also contract Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease by touching objects and surfaces that have the virus on them, like doorknobs or toys, then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Children who feel ill or have a fever should be excluded from group settings until the fever is gone and the child feels well. Thorough hand washing and surface disinfection are important, especially after diaper changes, using the toilet, nose blowing, coughing, or sneezing.
People with hand, foot, and mouth disease are usually most contagious during the first week that they are sick. People can sometimes spread the virus to others for days or weeks after symptoms go away or if they have no symptoms at all. The virus has been known to be shed in the stool for up to several weeks.
Get Additional Protection with Germicidal UV Disinfection
In addition to the above preventative measures, Germicidal Ultraviolet (UV-C) surface disinfection (at the dosage listed below) can inactivate the Coxsackievirus in many applications, including hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools, and daycare centers. Our products use STER-L-RAY® Germicidal UV-C Lamps producing ultraviolet wavelengths at 254 nanometers, the region of germicidal effectiveness most destructive to harmful microorganisms including Coxsackie.
Rarely, the Coxsackievirus can spread if someone swallows contaminated recreational water, such as in swimming pools. This can happen if the water is not properly disinfected and contains fecal matter from a person who has Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Our Germicidal Ultraviolet Water Purifiers can help protect pools from the presence of many harmful microorganisms.
Coxsackie: Classification & Germicidal UV Dose for Inactivation
| Organism: | Alternate Name: | Type: | Disease: | UV Dose*: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coxsackie A2 | — | Virus | Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, Conjunctivitis, Meningitis | 6.30 mJ/cm2 |
| Coxsackie A10 | — | Virus | Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, Conjunctivitis, Meningitis | 8.90 mJ/cm2 |
| Coxsackie B1 | — | Virus | Myocarditis, Pericarditis, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Encephalitis, Hepatitis | 17.0 mJ/cm2 |
| Coxsackie B3 | — | Virus | Myocarditis, Pericarditis, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Encephalitis, Hepatitis | 16.0 mJ/cm2 |
| Coxsackie B4 | — | Virus | Myocarditis, Pericarditis, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Encephalitis, Hepatitis | 13.0 mJ/cm2 |
| Coxsackie B5 | — | Virus | Myocarditis, Pericarditis, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Encephalitis, Hepatitis | 18.0 mJ/cm2 |
Who can it affect?
Coxsackie occasionally occurs in young adults.
Where is it found?
What can it infect?
How does it spread?
Symptoms of a Coxsackie Infection
According to the CDC , most children have mild symptoms for 7 to 10 days. Initial symptoms develop 3 to 6 days after they catch the virus and may include:
- Fever
- Eating or drinking less
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
A blister-like rash on the hands, feet, and in the mouth usually develops 1 to 2 days after the initial symptoms.
Sources on Coxsackie:
The above information can be found on the following pages. Please read complete articles to learn more.
- CDC: Coxsackie: Causes and Transmission
- CDC: Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
- NY Department of Health: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (Coxsackie viral infection)
- CDC: Healthcare Environmental Infection Prevention – Reduce Risk from Water
* Nominal germicidal UV dosage necessary to inactivate better than 99% of microorganism.
Learn More & Shop Our Products to Inactivate Coxsackie
Made in the USA from U.S. and imported parts, the UV Air & Surface Disinfection and UV Water Purification product lines from Atlantic Ultraviolet Corporation® are constructed of the highest quality materials and use germicidal UV-C lamps to disinfect air, surfaces, and water, inactivating microorganisms like Coxsackie.
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