A child presents with fever and vesicular rash on the hands, feet, and oral mucosa. What is the causative organism?

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common childhood viral illness caused primarily by Coxsackievirus A16 (and sometimes Enterovirus A71). It presents with fever followed by a vesicular rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and oral mucosa (aphthous-like ulcers on tongue and buccal mucosa). It is highly contagious, transmitted via fecal-oral and respiratory routes, and typically self-limiting in 7-10 days. No specific antiviral treatment exists; management is supportive. In the dental office, all surfaces must be disinfected as the virus can survive on surfaces for days.