Hand, foot, and mouth disease is making a summer comeback in the United States, with doctors reporting a surge in cases among children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that outbreaks of the illness tend to peak during the warmer months.
As of August 1, 127 outbreaks have been reported statewide in New Jersey, more than quadruple the number seen last year. The virus, which belongs to the enterovirus family, is highly contagious and can cause mild symptoms in children, but rare complications.
“Anyone of any age can get hand, foot, and mouth disease,” says Dr. Katharine Clouser, a pediatrician at Hackensack University Medical Center. The illness typically starts with fever, sore throat, and painful mouth sores, followed by a skin rash on the hands, feet, and other areas.
To prevent the spread of the virus, parents are advised to keep their children home from childcare and school until they recover, practice good hygiene, and avoid close contact with others. There is currently no vaccine available in the US to protect against hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Dr. Clouser urges parents to be honest with friends and family about their child’s illness, saying “it’s nothing to be embarrassed about” and encourages them to practice good hygiene to prevent further spread.
Source: https://www.nj.com/healthfit/2025/08/the-highly-contagious-summer-illness-parents-of-young-kids-need-to-know-about.html