Pediatricians Warn of Nationwide Surge in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

As of August 7th, 2025, health authorities in New York are bracing for a potential outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a highly contagious viral infection that has seen a concerning rise in cases across the eastern United States.

The situation in New York is particularly worrying, as the city is already grappling with a Legionnaires' disease outbreak that has infected 67 people and claimed 3 lives. Now, doctors in the borough of Staten Island are reporting an uptick in HFMD cases, with a handful of infections already reported.

This trend is not isolated to New York, however. Pediatricians across multiple states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio, Kansas, and West Virginia, have also noted a surge in HFMD cases in recent weeks. Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez of Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York revealed that she has seen more HFMD cases in the past few weeks than she has over the past decade. Dr. Natasha Burgert, a Kansas-based pediatrician, echoed this observation, stating that the spike in her own practice mirrors the nationwide trend.

HFMD is a viral illness that typically affects young children, causing painful lesions on the hands, feet, and mouth, as well as fever and sore throat. While the condition is usually not serious in older children and adults, it can lead to more severe complications, such as seizures, in very young patients. The disease is highly transmissible, spreading through contact with infected fluids and contaminated water.

Experts warn that the upcoming summer and early fall months, when children are more likely to mix in environments like summer camps, pools, and the start of the school year, could further exacerbate the HFMD outbreak. Additionally, warmer and more humid weather may also contribute to the survival and transmission of the viruses that cause the disease.