October 24, 2025
Media Contact: Erin Perkins, erin.perkins@vdh.virginia.gov
Rappahannock Area Health District Sees Rise in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreaks
Health Officials Offer Prevention Tips
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Public health officials are currently seeing an increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks in the Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD). Since August, RAHD has investigated three separate outbreaks at both child daycare facilities and elementary schools across the district. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is seeing an increase in HFMD emergency department and urgent care visits, as well as an increase in reported HFMD outbreaks across the state in 2025.
HFMD is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than five years of age; however, it can also affect older children and adults. HFMD is spread from person to person by close contact with an infected individual or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces. Infected people are most contagious during the first week of the illness.
HFMD symptoms include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful mouth sores that blister
- Rash, commonly found on the hands and feet
- Poor appetite
- A general feeling of being unwell
“While seen frequently this time of year, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease can be very distressing to both child and parent,” said Dr. David Rose, Interim Health Director for RAHD. “It is able to spread quickly, especially in group settings such as daycares and schools, and so it is important for parents to keep their children home while sick, until their temperature is normal for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and they are feeling better without their mouth sores causing excessive drooling.”
The Rappahannock Area Health District recommends the following prevention tips to lower your child’s risk of HFMD:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and shared items.
- Avoid such as hugging or kissing with people who have HFMD.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Most people get better on their own in 7 to 10 days with minimal or no medical treatment. If you have questions about HFMD, contact your healthcare provider or Rappahannock Area Health District at 540-899-4797.
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