The United States is grappling with a dramatic and unexpected surge in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), with medical professionals nationwide reporting infection rates that far exceed those seen in recent years.
An Unprecedented National Spike
While HFMD is typically a mild childhood illness that peaks during the warmer months, this year's outbreak is spreading with unusual speed and intensity. States including Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, Kansas and West Virginia are all reporting significant increases.
The scale of the problem is substantial. Health experts now estimate that there could be close to 1 million cases nationwide this year, a stark contrast to the usual annual figure of around 200,000.
In New York City, concerns are growing on Staten Island where clinicians identified several HFMD cases this summer, with numbers expected to climb.
Doctors Sound the Alarm
The situation on the ground is causing significant concern among paediatricians. Dr Allison Agwu of Johns Hopkins University reported that cases in Maryland are four to five times higher than at the same time last year. She told the HuffPost, 'This year, [cases seem] to be out of control.'
This sentiment is echoed by colleagues across the country. Dr Edith Bracho-Sanchez of Columbia University revealed that she had seen more HFMD cases this summer than in the entire previous decade. Similarly, Dr Natasha Burgert in Kansas confirmed her practice is reflecting the same intense nationwide trend.
Paediatricians in Kansas, Wisconsin, Tennessee and Virginia have all reported comparable surges, with some physicians stating this is one of the worst spikes they have ever witnessed.
Understanding HFMD and Its Spread
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious illness most commonly caused by viruses in the enterovirus family, particularly coxsackievirus A16. It spreads easily through:
- Respiratory droplets and saliva
- Contact with stool or the fluid from blisters
- Contaminated surfaces, toys, and shared objects
Although it most frequently affects children under five, especially those in group settings like nurseries and schools, doctors are now seeing more infections in older children and adults, particularly those with weakened immune systems.
Several factors are likely contributing to the rapid spread. Seasonal mixing at camps, swimming pools, and back-to-school environments creates ideal conditions for transmission. Water parks have been identified as potential hotspots; one in Philadelphia temporarily closed in July after a child who visited later tested positive.
Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Early symptoms often mimic a common cold, including fever, sore throat, and a runny nose. Within days, patients typically develop painful mouth sores and a rash of red bumps or blisters on their hands and feet.
For most people, the illness lasts about a week, though severe mouth ulcers can prolong recovery to ten to 14 days. In rare cases, very young children can develop serious neurological complications requiring urgent medical attention.
There is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medication for HFMD. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms with over-the-counter pain relief and ensuring patients, especially children, stay hydrated despite painful mouth sores.
Doctors emphasise that prevention is key. Effective measures include:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water
- Using alcohol-based hand sanitisers
- Regularly cleaning shared surfaces and toys
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
Children diagnosed with HFMD should remain home for at least seven days to prevent further spread. With cases rising sharply, health experts are urging families and caregivers to remain vigilant and maintain strict hygiene practices to curb this unprecedented outbreak.
