HFMD is a common viral illness in children under 5 years of age. In Virginia, rates of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) are higher compared to previous years. This year, Virginia has seen significant increases in emergency department and urgent care visits for HFMD, as well as a notable increase in reported HFMD outbreaks, when compared to previous years. K-12 schools and childcare centers have reported the majority of outbreaks.
About HFMD
Symptoms
Symptoms are usually mild and last for about 7 to 10 days. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful mouth sores that blister
- A skin rash on the hands and feet
How it Spreads
HFMD spreads mostly in the summer and fall in the United States, but you can get it any time of year. You can get HFMD after:
- Close contact with an infected person, like kissing, hugging, or sharing cups or eating utensils.
- Contact with droplets that have virus particles after a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- Contact with an infected person’s poop, such as changing diapers, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Touching objects and surfaces that have the virus on them, like doorknobs or toys, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
People with HFMD are usually most contagious during the first week they’re sick.
Preventing HFMD
HFMD is usually not serious, but it’s very contagious.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after changing diapers, using the toilet, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Help children wash their hands and keep blisters clean.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with an infected person, such as hugging or kissing them.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items. This includes items such as toys, highchairs, and doorknobs.
There is not a vaccine available to prevent HFMD.
Stay Home While Sick
HFMD can spread easily from person to person. Children can go back to school or daycare when they:
- Have no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications
- Feel well enough to participate in class
- Have no uncontrolled drooling due to mouth sores
For additional information, refer to VDH’s Communicable Disease Reference Chart for School and Childcare Facility Personnel.
If you aren’t sure if your child is ready to go back to school or child care, talk with your child’s healthcare provider.
How to Care for Someone with HFMD
Manage Symptoms
- Use over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain caused by mouth sores. Never give aspirin to children.
Stay Hydrated
- Mouth sores can make it painful to swallow, so children may not want to drink much. Make sure they get enough liquids. If they are having difficulty drinking enough water or juice, you can try popsicles or gelatin (Jello).
How to Report an Outbreak
Individual cases of HFMD are not reportable to the health department, but outbreaks are.
An outbreak may be suspected when:
- There is a sudden increase in people getting sick at the same time OR
- Two or more people have similar symptoms and share things in common, such as using the same daycare or living areas, or participating in the same activities.
If you are unsure whether an incidence of illness in your facility or program is considered an outbreak, immediately contact the local health department where your facility or program is located. You may also report through VDH’s Suspected Outbreak Reporting Portal.