Beijing, Mar 31 (IANS): More than 11,000 people have been affected and at least four have died from the infectious hand-foot-mouth disease in a Chinese province, health authorities said Saturday.

During the first quarter of this year, a total of 11,757 cases have been reported in southern Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, the China Daily reported citing the regional health department.

Hand-foot-mouth disease is a common viral infection that begins in the throat. It is caused by coxsackievirus A16, a member of the enterovirus family.

The disease can spread if one comes into direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or stool of an infected person. The infection occurs most often in children under age 10, but can also be seen in adults. The outbreaks occur most often in summer.

The disease has also plagued other areas of China.

Hunan province has seen a surge in hand-foot-mouth disease, with over 1,000 cases reported this month, health authorities said.

Also 20 children at a kindergarten in Hong Kong have been infected by the disease.