Home / Health / Pediatric Infectious Disease Expert Warns of "Out of Control" Hand, Foot and Mouth Cases
Pediatric Infectious Disease Expert Warns of "Out of Control" Hand, Foot and Mouth Cases
17 Nov
Summary
- Multiple states reporting outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease
- Cases in Maryland 4-5 times higher than last year
- Virus can infect children under 5 and older kids/adults
As of November 17th, 2025, multiple states including Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, and Wisconsin have reported alarming outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease, a contagious viral illness. According to Dr. Allison Agwu, a professor of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University, the situation in Maryland is particularly dire, with cases currently 4-5 times higher than this time last year.
Dr. Matthew Thomas, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's in West Virginia, explains that spikes in hand, foot and mouth disease often occur in cycles, with some years seeing significantly more cases than others. This year appears to be one of those high-activity periods, as the virus continues to spread rapidly across the region.
The hand, foot and mouth virus, which belongs to the enterovirus family, can present with a range of symptoms including fever, respiratory issues, and a painful rash or blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. While the virus primarily infects young children under 5, it can also cause illness in older kids and adults. With cases surging, health experts emphasize the importance of recognizing the signs and taking precautions to prevent further transmission.
