A contagious childhood illness is spreading rapidly across several U.S. states, prompting public health warnings and school-based alerts. Officials confirmed outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a virus primarily affecting young children, with at least one suspected child death linked to the illness in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Health authorities in Fairfax County, Virginia, have identified six active outbreaks of HFMD in local schools and childcare centers. Similar surges are occurring across the country, with cases rising in states where school sessions and daycare activities resumed early. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the spread, particularly following the death of a toddler in the U.S. Virgin Islands connected to the virus. Officials there report at least 189 confirmed cases.
HFMD spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, mouth sores, and skin rashes, particularly on the hands and feet. The illness is usually mild, but complications such as dehydration, brain inflammation, and, in rare cases, death can occur—especially in infants and immunocompromised children.
Public health departments are urging schools and daycares to reinforce strict hygiene policies. These include handwashing protocols, surface sanitization, and temporary isolation of symptomatic children. Parents are advised to watch for signs of illness and keep children home if symptoms appear. The CDC recommends immediate medical attention if children experience persistent fever, vomiting, or signs of dehydration.
The current HFMD wave comes as U.S. health officials are also tracking a resurgence in other infectious diseases. Measles remains the most severe outbreak of 2025, with over 1,200 cases and three deaths. Both outbreaks highlight ongoing concerns related to hygiene, vaccination lapses, and group care environments.
