Coxsackievirus serotype A6 — previously reported only outside the U.S. — is now causing severe cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) here, according to an MMWR article. HFMD in the U.S. is typically caused by serotype A16.

From November 2011 to February 2012, the CDC was contacted regarding 63 people with HFMD or with fever and unusual rash for whom diagnostic assistance was needed. The cases occurred in Alabama, California, Connecticut, and Nevada. Three-quarters of clinical specimens tested positive for coxsackievirus A6; the rest were negative for all enteroviruses.

Among the 63 patients, rash and fever were more severe and hospitalization was more frequent than with typical HFMD. Fever occurred in 76%. Rash was noted on the hands or feet or in the mouth (67%), on the arms or legs (46%), face (41%), buttocks (35%), and trunk (19%). Almost 20% of patients were hospitalized.

The CDC is continuing to receive reports of coxsackievirus A6–associated illness.

Source: MMWR