Ace the ADEX Dental Hygiene Exam 2025 – Sparkle Your Smile and Your Career!

The primary viral cause of herpangina is the Group A Coxsackie virus. Herpangina is an acute viral illness that is characterized by the sudden onset of fever, sore throat, and the presence of small, blister-like ulcers in the mouth and throat. The Group A Coxsackie virus, which is part of the enterovirus family, is known for its role in causing this condition, particularly in young children.

This virus typically spreads through fecal-oral transmission or respiratory droplets, and it commonly occurs in outbreaks within closed communities, such as schools or daycare centers. The specific symptoms of herpangina can be traced back to how the Group A Coxsackie virus infects the tissue of the throat and mouth, leading to the painful ulcers that are characteristic of the disease.

Other viruses listed, such as Herpes simplex virus and Epstein-Barr virus, are associated with different conditions and do not primarily cause herpangina. Varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, also does not relate to the etiology of herpangina. Therefore, the association of herpangina with the Group A Coxsackie virus helps to underline its significance as the primary viral cause of this illness.