Last Updated on August 5, 2025 by Royce Pierpont

As summer winds down and the new school year looms, Staten Island families are facing an unexpected health challenge: a troubling uptick in cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). This highly contagious viral infection, which primarily affects young children, has local pediatricians and public health officials sounding the alarm. Unlike the common cold or flu, HFMD spreads with alarming ease in close-knit settings like daycares and schools, prompting urgent calls for vigilance and preventive measures. With cases rising not only on Staten Island but also across other parts of New York City and neighboring states, health experts are emphasizing the need for proactive steps to curb its spread.

A Growing Threat in the Community

Hand, foot, and mouth disease, caused by viruses in the enterovirus family—most commonly Coxsackievirus A16—is no stranger to pediatricians. The illness typically targets infants and children under five, though older children and even adults can occasionally fall ill. Characterized by fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, and a distinctive red, spotted rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the mouth, HFMD is as uncomfortable as it is contagious. According to recent reports from Northwell Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze, a noticeable increase in cases has been observed this summer, with numbers climbing as August progresses.

Dr. Norman Ng, an emergency physician and director of the division of observation medicine at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, noted that the disease tends to peak in late summer and early fall. “We’ve seen a small but steady stream of cases this season, and we expect numbers to rise as children return to school,” he said. “The virus thrives in warm, communal environments, making daycares and playgrounds prime transmission zones.”

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscores the contagious nature of HFMD. The virus spreads through close personal contact, respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated surfaces or feces, such as during diaper changes. In 2025, states like Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia have reported higher-than-average outbreaks, with New York City’s boroughs also seeing elevated numbers compared to previous years. Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, a pediatrician at Columbia University, told The New York Times that she has observed an unprecedented number of cases in recent weeks, a trend echoed by Staten Island’s medical community.

Why the Surge?

The reasons behind this year’s surge are multifaceted. The relaxation of pandemic-era hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and surface disinfection, may have contributed to the virus’s spread. Additionally, the lack of a vaccine for HFMD in the United States leaves communities reliant on preventive behaviors to control outbreaks. “Unlike diseases like measles or polio, we don’t have a vaccine to protect against HFMD,” explained Dr. Priya Saverimuttu, a Staten Island-based infectious disease specialist. “This makes community awareness and hygiene practices our first line of defense.”

The social dynamics of summer also play a role. Children attending camps, swim clubs, and other group activities are in close contact, creating ideal conditions for the virus to spread. For instance, a recent event hosted by Snug Harbor Little League on Staten Island, which drew families for summer games, highlighted the challenges of maintaining hygiene in communal settings. “Kids are playing, sharing equipment, and splashing in pools—perfect opportunities for the virus to jump from one child to another,” Dr. Saverimuttu added.

Symptoms and Risks: What Parents Need to Know

HFMD typically begins with a fever and general malaise, followed by the appearance of painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. In some cases, blisters may form, causing discomfort that can make eating and drinking difficult for young children. While the illness is generally mild and resolves within 7 to 10 days, complications can arise in rare instances, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying health conditions.

According to the CDC, HFMD can lead to dehydration if children avoid drinking due to painful mouth sores. In extremely rare cases, the virus can cause more serious complications, such as viral meningitis or encephalitis, though these outcomes are uncommon. “Parents should monitor their children closely for symptoms like high fever, persistent irritability, or refusal to eat,” advised Dr. Raisa Saab, a pediatric physician at Staten Island University Hospital. “If symptoms seem severe or persist, seek medical attention promptly.”

Preventive Measures: Stopping the Spread

With no vaccine available, prevention hinges on rigorous hygiene practices. Health experts are urging parents to take the following steps to protect their children and others:

• Frequent Handwashing: Encourage children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after playing. The CDC recommends at least 20 seconds of scrubbing to effectively remove viruses.
• Surface Disinfection: Regularly clean high-touch surfaces like toys, doorknobs, and playground equipment. Disinfectants effective against enteroviruses are key.
• Isolation of Sick Children: Keep children with symptoms home from school or daycare until they are fever-free and their rash has healed, typically 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin.
• Avoid Touching the Face: Teach children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth, as the virus can enter through these mucous membranes.

Dr. Ng emphasized the importance of these measures, particularly as the school year begins. “We’re heading into a critical period where kids will be in close quarters again. Parents and schools need to double down on hygiene to prevent widespread outbreaks,” he said.

A Broader Context: Health Challenges in Staten Island

The rise in HFMD cases is part of a broader health landscape on Staten Island, where medical professionals are grappling with multiple public health concerns. For instance, West Nile virus has been detected in every Staten Island ZIP code this summer, according to local health data, adding to the community’s infectious disease burden. Additionally, mental health challenges among children have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, with experts reporting a 90% increase in demand for behavioral health treatment in some regions.

The concurrent circulation of other respiratory viruses, such as RSV and new variants of COVID-19, further complicates the situation. Dr. Thomas Gut, associate chairman of medicine at Staten Island University Hospital, noted that the newly approved 2024-2025 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines offer protection against severe outcomes, but they do not address HFMD. “We’re in a season where multiple viruses are circulating. Staying up-to-date on vaccinations for preventable diseases and practicing good hygiene can make a significant difference,” he said.

Community Response and Education

Local schools and daycares are stepping up efforts to educate families about HFMD. The Staten Island Department of Education has distributed informational flyers, and community health fairs are being planned to address parental concerns. “We’re working closely with pediatricians to ensure parents have the information they need,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “Knowledge is power when it comes to preventing outbreaks.”

Parents like Maria Gonzalez, a Staten Island mother of two, are taking the warnings seriously. “My youngest had HFMD last year, and it was miserable,” she said. “We’re being extra careful this summer—lots of handwashing and keeping the kids home if they seem under the weather.” Gonzalez’s experience reflects a growing awareness among families, spurred by media coverage and medical guidance.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

As Staten Island braces for the back-to-school season, the rise in HFMD cases serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance. Health officials are optimistic that with increased awareness and adherence to preventive measures, the spread of the virus can be curtailed. “This is a manageable disease if we act collectively,” Dr. Saverimuttu said. “We’re not powerless against it, but it requires effort from everyone—parents, schools, and healthcare providers.”

For now, Staten Island’s medical community is urging families to stay informed and proactive. With the right precautions, they hope to keep this contagious concern from becoming a full-blown crisis. As Dr. Ng put it, “We’re all in this together. A little caution now can prevent a lot of discomfort later.”