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yesterday

Schools See HFMD Surge as Michigan Elementary Closes for Cleaning

Health officials say the illness spreads easily, prompting schools to prioritize cleaning.

Dr. Mark Bedell, Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent, gives remarks. The Caucus of African American Leaders, The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, and the Annapolis City Council hold a celebration to honor and thank Mayor Gavin Buckley and First Lady Julie Buckley for their service to the community. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)
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Overview

  • The Virginia Department of Health reports more than 60 hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks in September, alongside increased emergency and urgent care visits.
  • District of Columbia health officials recorded 197 emergency department visits tied to the illness in September, with Virginia and West Virginia also noting elevated school and day care outbreaks.
  • Maryland has logged 34 outbreaks in 2025 compared with four last year, including 26 since August in Anne Arundel County across schools and child care settings.
  • Pardee Elementary in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, closed Wednesday for sanitation after numerous reported cases, with plans to reopen Thursday.
  • Officials underscore that HFMD is highly contagious, typically lasts 7–10 days, can be shed for weeks after symptoms, lacks a vaccine, and warrants handwashing, surface disinfection, and staying home until fever resolves and the child feels well enough to participate.