West Virginia Department of Health warns of increased hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks

WEST VIRGINIA (WOWK) — The West Virginia Department of Health has issued a public health alert for hand, foot and mouth disease.

The WV Dept. of Health says the state’s Bureau for Public Health has identified a “significant increase” in reported outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease across the Mountain State. Health officials say that in 2025, there have been 38 outbreaks across the state, 17 of which have been reported after Sept. 1.

According to the WV Dept. of Health, HFMD is a common viral illness that primarily affects children and infants. Health officials say seasonal increases of cases are typical in the summer and fall months. While it most often affects children and infants, health officials say it can also affect older adolescents and adults.

Symptoms of HFMD can include a sudden onset of a fever, painful oral sores and a vesicular rash on their hands and feet. Health officials say the rash typically develops within one to two days of the fever.

The WV Dept. of Health says HFMD is often spread through contact with respiratory secretions or the stool of those infected.

According to the WV Dept. of Health, the infectious period generally begins two days before the onset of the rash and continues during the acute illness. The infectious period, however, could persist for weeks after the symptoms resolve, health officials say.

Health officials say that children with HFMD can return to school or child care once they’ve been without a fever for 24 hours without taking any fever-reducing medication, are well enough to participate in routine activities, and are not experiencing uncontrollable drooling from mouth sores.

However, because those who are asymptomatic can still shed the virus for weeks, they can still spread it after they are well again, health officials say. Ways to help prevent and control the disease include frequent handwashing, respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette, Regular cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and toys.

The WV Department of Health says individual cases of HFMD are not reportable in West Virginia, but the data from emergency departments and urgent cares and outbreak data indicate “higher HFMD activity this year than in prior years.