Writing Time: August 5, 2025, 14:00 EDT

A highly contagious viral illness is spreading in parts of the United States, prompting health alerts and raising concerns about potential severe outcomes, particularly in children.

Recent data from health departments across the country indicate a significant increase in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases. The disease, commonly seen in young children but capable of affecting individuals of any age, is once again drawing the attention of medical experts and public health agencies.

Rising Cases in Multiple Regions

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HFMD is a common viral illness that tends to occur more frequently in warmer months. In Virginia, the Fairfax County Health District issued a public health alert after reporting six HFMD outbreaks earlier this year, predominantly impacting children under the age of 5.

Meanwhile, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Department of Health confirmed 189 HFMD cases on the island of St. Thomas, including one suspected fatal case involving a toddler. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the child’s death and its possible connection to the illness.

In response to the increasing cases, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued a March 2025 advisory urging member countries to strengthen prevention and control measures, especially among young children who are more vulnerable to complications.

Symptoms and Transmission of HFMD

HFMD is primarily caused by Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71, both of which are highly contagious and easily spread in community settings such as daycare centers, schools, and playgrounds.

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News, explained that the disease typically begins with fever, sore throat, and reduced appetite, followed by the development of painful sores inside the mouth and a rash on the hands, feet, and occasionally other body parts. Some newer strains, such as Coxsackie A6, are known to cause more severe skin rashes and nail loss in both children and adults.

“HFMD is most contagious during the first week of symptoms but can continue to be spread for several weeks,” Dr. Siegel said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

The virus is spread through direct contact with nasal secretions, saliva, fluid from blisters, stool, or contaminated surfaces, making hygiene a critical component of prevention.

Current Trends and Seasonal Patterns

Dr. Tina Q. Tan, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, noted that HFMD tends to surge in the summer and early fall, consistent with current trends.

“We are seeing more cases at this time,” Dr. Tan told Fox News. “It is a very common infection that is usually mild, but it can occasionally lead to serious complications.”

When to Seek Medical Attention

Although the majority of HFMD cases resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days, Dr. Tan emphasized the importance of monitoring symptoms, especially in young children who may have difficulty staying hydrated due to mouth pain.

“Parents should seek medical help if their child cannot drink fluids, has reduced urination, shows signs of worsening symptoms, or exhibits any changes in mental status,” she advised.

Rare but serious complications include:

• Dehydration
• Nail shedding
• Viral meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Paralysis

The CDC also advises pregnant women who contract HFMD to consult with a healthcare provider, as infections during pregnancy may carry added risks.

Treatment Options

There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD. Management generally involves:

• Over-the-counter medications (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to reduce fever and relieve pain
• Plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Rest to support the immune system

Antibiotics are not effective, as the disease is caused by a virus.

Prevention Measures and Public Health Guidance

To limit the spread of HFMD, both Dr. Tan and the CDC strongly recommend the following hygiene practices:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after changing diapers or using the bathroom
• Disinfecting surfaces like toys, countertops, and doorknobs regularly
• Avoiding close contact such as hugging, kissing, or sharing cups and utensils during outbreaks

Children can typically return to school or daycare once they:

• Are fever-free
• Feel well enough to participate in normal activities
• Do not have open or oozing lesions
• Are able to eat and drink comfortably

No Vaccine Available in the U.S.

While vaccines against Enterovirus 71 (one of the HFMD-causing viruses) exist in some countries such as China, there is currently no FDA-approved vaccine for HFMD available in the United States.

Researchers continue to monitor new virus strains and assess the need for future immunization strategies, particularly as more severe or atypical cases are being reported.

Final Thoughts

As HFMD cases rise in several U.S. jurisdictions, health experts encourage parents, educators, and caregivers to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention when symptoms become severe or unusual.

Although most cases are mild and self-limiting, the potential for serious complications—particularly among children—makes awareness and prevention crucial during seasonal outbreaks.

For updated information and guidance, visit the CDC’s official Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease resource page:

Source: FOX News – Highly contagious disease surges in some US states amid report of possible fatal case

The post Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Sees Rise Across U.S., Health Officials Warn appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

An Arizona resident recently died from pneumonic plague — the first death of its kind in the state in nearly 20 years. While the word “plague” might sound like something out of a medieval history book, this case is a modern reminder of a rare but serious disease that still exists in some parts of the U.S.

Here’s what you need to know about this rare infection, how it spreads, and how to stay safe.

What Is Pneumonic Plague?

Pneumonic plague is a lung infection caused by Yersinia pestis, the same bacteria behind the Black Death in the Middle Ages. But unlike the bubonic plague, which affects the lymph nodes, pneumonic plague attacks the lungs — and it’s the only form that can spread from person to person.

According to Dr. Leana Wen, a health expert at George Washington University, there are three types of plague:

• Bubonic (most common): affects lymph nodes
• Septicemic: spreads through the bloodstream
• Pneumonic: infects the lungs and spreads via droplets from coughs

The Arizona case involved the rarest type — pneumonic — which can be especially dangerous if not treated quickly.

How Does It Spread?

Most people catch the plague from the bite of an infected flea or by handling animals like rodents or outdoor cats that have the bacteria. In the case of pneumonic plague, the bacteria can also spread through the air — such as when an infected person or animal coughs.

This makes early detection and treatment very important, especially in rural areas where the disease is more likely to appear.

What Are the Symptoms?

All three types of plague come with general symptoms like:

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Weakness

But each form has unique signs:

• Bubonic: swollen, painful lymph nodes (called “buboes”)
• Septicemic: can lead to shock and organ failure
• Pneumonic: causes shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing

Pneumonic plague can get worse very fast — making it the most serious version.

How Is It Diagnosed and Treated?

Doctors test blood, spit, or tissue from swollen lymph nodes to confirm the infection. But because the disease moves quickly, treatment often starts before results come back.

The good news? Plague is treatable with antibiotics like gentamicin or fluoroquinolones — especially if caught early. Without treatment, the disease can be deadly, but with quick medical care, most people recover fully.

Is There a Vaccine?

There used to be a vaccine for high-risk workers, but it’s no longer available in the U.S. because the disease is now so rare. However, researchers are working on new vaccine options.

How Can You Stay Safe?

If you live in or visit areas where plague has been reported — like parts of Arizona, New Mexico, or Colorado — here are some ways to reduce your risk:

• Avoid wild animals, especially rodents.
• Don’t touch sick or dead animals.
• Keep fleas off pets with vet-approved treatments.
• Use insect repellent (with DEET) when hiking or camping.
• Store pet food securely to avoid attracting rodents.
• Watch your pets for signs of illness, especially if they go outside.

Dr. Wen also reminds us that the plague is extremely rare in the U.S. — with only about 7 cases a year, most of which are bubonic and not contagious.

Should You Be Concerned?

If you’re not living in an area where plague is known to appear, there’s little reason to worry. Even in Arizona, health officials say the risk to the public is very low. But if you’re traveling to rural parts of the western U.S., it’s a good idea to take some simple precautions — and see a doctor if you notice unusual symptoms after spending time outdoors.

This single case is a reminder to stay informed — but not alarmed.

Source: CNN – An Arizona resident has just died of the plague. What to know about this disease

The post Arizona Reports First Pneumonic Plague Death in Nearly 20 Years: What You Need to Know appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.