What virus is the cause of herpangina?

Herpangina is primarily caused by the Coxsackievirus, specifically strains within the Enterovirus family. This virus is particularly prevalent among young children and typically manifests as a sudden onset of fever, sore throat, and painful vesicular lesions on the anterior pillars of the fauces and soft palate. The lesions can resemble small ulcers and are a hallmark of the infection.

Coxsackievirus spreads through fecal-oral transmission and respiratory droplets, making it common in settings like schools and daycares. Understanding the specific viral agents that lead to conditions like herpangina is crucial for diagnosis and management strategies in pediatric populations. The other viruses listed do not primarily cause this specific illness; for example, rhinoviruses are mainly associated with the common cold, noroviruses are predominantly linked to gastrointestinal illnesses, and herpes simplex virus is associated with cold sores and other herpes infections.