Anne Arundel County schools are seeing an uptick in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases, with many being reported in elementary schools, Superintendent Mark Bedell said Tuesday. 

HFMD is common among young children, and while it is usually not considered serious, it is very contagious, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

HFMD in Anne Arundel County schools 

According to Bedell, the exact number of HFMD cases is unclear, as it is not required that they be reported to the district. The district does, however, track outbreaks – when three or more cases are reported within a week. 

Bedell said since the beginning of August, the district recorded 26 outbreaks in public schools, private schools and day care centers. 

Across Maryland, 34 HFMD outbreaks have been reported so far in 2025, compared to four in 2024, according to Bedell. 

School district responds

Staff with Anne Arundel County schools are working with school nurses to address the outbreaks. The district also works with the county's Department of Health. 

According to Bedell, schools do not need to take action besides cleaning high-traffic surfaces along wth instructional tools and toys. 

Families will be notified if there is an outbreak at their child's school. 

What is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease? 

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease can cause fever, sore throat, mouth sores and skin rashes, according to the CDC. Symptoms usually subside on their own in about 7 to 10 days. 

It can spread through contact with particles from sneezes or coughs, contaminated objects and fluid from blisters, the CDC said. 

The following actions are suggested to prevent HFMD: 

• Wash your hands well, especially after trips to the bathroom 
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing 
• Wash toys and other surfaces that are frequently used 
• Keep children out of school if they have a fever or draining sores

The CDC advises children to return to school once their fever is gone, their mouth sores heal and when they feel well enough to participate in classes. 

Health expert reacts 

A health expert said the disease is lasting longer than expected this year and is spreading fast. 

Dr. Scott Krugman, a pediatrician at Life Bridge Health, said once the virus reaches a school setting, it can spread quickly. 

"Once it gets in, it's going to go fast in any closed environment like that," Krugman said. "The original name for the virus, Coxsackievirus, came because there were outbreaks in summer camps in Coxsackie, New York. What happened is every summer the kids would get together, summer camp, and they'd all end up with hand, foot and mouth. Summer camps, daycares, schools — these are the places where this virus just spreads."

The CDC said children are most contagious in the early stages of illness — often before parents notice visible sores or rashes.

Krugman said keeping sick children home is the best way to prevent it from spreading.

"Once your child has a fever or starts to get symptoms, it's probably best not to have them going to school and spreading it. It might be too late once you notice, because they could have spread it a day or two before," Krugman said.

There is no specific treatment for the virus. Doctors recommend rest, fluids and medicine to reduce fever.  Health officials say schools rarely need to close for outbreaks, but good hygiene and awareness can help slow the spread.