Health Warning: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreak Surges Among Children

Public health officials are reporting a significant global surge in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects young children. Recent data indicates a sharp increase in infections across the United States and Vietnam, with some regions reporting fatalities and record-breaking outbreak numbers.

In the United States, national data from Epic Research shows that medically attended cases of HFMD have risen three-fold compared to the previous year. Current rates are reported at 221.8 cases per 100,000 patients, compared to 76.3 and 120.3 in the two preceding years.

Outbreaks in the United States

The increase has been particularly striking in the mid-Atlantic region. In Virginia, the Department of Health reported 198 outbreaks in 2025, a significant increase from the typical annual range of 45 to 65 outbreaks.

According to Dawn Saady, deputy director of the Division of Surveillance and Investigation at the Virginia Department of Health, 99% of the state’s outbreaks occurred in child care centers and K-12 schools.

Additional health alerts issued on August 18, 2025, confirmed that the disease was surging both nationally and specifically within the state of Illinois.

International Surges and Fatalities

Severe outbreaks have also been documented in Vietnam. Reports from Vietnam.vn indicate that 12 deaths have been recorded, raising concerns regarding a double epidemic in the southern part of the country. In Da Nang, the virus has spread rapidly, with outbreaks reported in several kindergartens.

Specifically in Ho Chi Minh City, Báo VietNamNet reported that three children died amid the surge of the disease.

Other international reports highlight further instability. Tawusal News reported that a health ministry warned of two epidemics threatening children, with 26,000 infections and eight deaths recorded over recent months. Yemen Press reported a 50% increase in cases, citing a new strain threatening children.

Medical Context and Symptoms

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by enteroviruses, such as the coxsackievirus. While the illness is most common among children under the age of five, health experts note that any individual can be infected.

The disease typically presents with the following symptoms:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Painful sores in the mouth
• A rash appearing on the hands, feet, and occasionally the legs or buttocks

While most infections resolve within one week, the disease can lead to severe complications. These include dehydration and, in rare instances, encephalitis or meningitis.

Experts suggest that the current rapid rise in cases may be driven by a combination of new viral strains, shifting immunity, and environmental conditions.