This fall, a significant increase in cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease has been reported across several states, leaving pediatric experts astounded by the unusual surge. This spike is unlike any observed in recent years, raising concerns among healthcare professionals.

Outbreaks have been identified in Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Doctors are noting not only a high incidence among young children but also cases appearing in teens and adults, which is quite uncommon.

Dr. Allison Agwu from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine expressed concern in a recent conversation with HuffPost, stating, “This year, [cases seem] to be out of control.” She highlighted that Maryland is experiencing numbers “four to five times” higher than those recorded at the same time last year.

Pediatric infectious diseases specialist Dr. Matthew Thomas pointed out that such outbreaks tend to be cyclical. He explained, “Some years you’ll see a lot of cases, like we’re seeing this year, and then it kind of fades away.”

With the virus spreading, it is essential for parents and caregivers to understand what hand, foot, and mouth disease is and to recognize the symptoms to watch for in their children.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is an enterovirus infection that can show up like a common cold before the telltale rash sets in. Children may experience fever, runny nose and sore throat, but doctors say the biggest clue is a combination of painful mouth sores and small red bumps on the hands and feet.

“The blisters in the mouth are generally at the back of the throat and are often really painful,” said Dr. Jennifer Duchon of Mount Sinai. Skin peeling on the hands and feet can show up as the illness resolves and “in really dramatic cases, sometimes your fingernails can fall off,” she added.

Dr. Agwu is warning that the virus is “super contagious.”. It spreads through respiratory droplets, contact with blister fluid, shared surfaces and even fecal matter, making diaper changes a major risk moment in daycare and at home.

“It’s also spread in stool,” Dr. Thomas noted. “Someone who’s changing diapers is often putting themselves at risk.”

Although most children recover at home, parents must ensure that children remain isolated as there is no medication that cures the virus. Therefore, supportive care is the main treatment: hydration, fever reducers and rest. “No antibiotics are going to get rid of it,” Dr. Agwu emphasized to the outlet.

Most children feel better in about a week, but more severe mouth sores can stretch recovery to 10–14 days. Parents should seek medical care if a child can’t drink enough, stops eating or seems unusually weak. Dr. Duchon warned that extreme fatigue or trouble breathing could signal a very rare heart complication.

Doctors say prevention looks a lot like everyday virus protection:

• Wash hands frequently, especially after bathroom trips and diaper changes.
• Use alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Keep sick children home to prevent spread.
• Wear masks in crowded places if cases are surging nearby.

“The way to prevent it is going to be always the same thing — washing hands … and using good hand hygiene,” Dr.  said.

As cases continue to rise nationwide, experts hope awareness will help families catch symptoms early and keep the virus from spreading even further.