This year, several health departments, particularly on the East Coast, have confirmed higher rates of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), a viral infection that spreads easily from person to person, compared to previous years.
For example, in 2025, the Virginia Department of Health saw significant increases in emergency department and urgent care visits for HFMD, as well as a notable increase in reported HFMD outbreaks, when compared to previous years. K-12 schools and childcare centers have reported the most outbreaks. The Washington, D.C. health department alone reported 197 emergency department visits in September related to HFMD, primarily among children under five years. The West Virginia health department also has identified a significant increase in reported outbreaks of HFMD statewide. In 2025, a total of 38 HFMD outbreaks have been reported, including 17 outbreaks since Sept. 1. In Maryland, three counties—Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s—reported an increase in HFMD, including an announcement last week from Prince George’s County Public Schools that over 40 schools in the district have reported cases of HFMD as of Oct. 30.
Across the country, the New Mexico Department of Health has reported a high number of calls to the department in 2025, suggesting a higher rate of the virus this year compared to the past two years. In August, the Illinois Department of Public Health said HFMD was currently surging in Illinois and nationally, however, no increased illness severity had been observed…