EAST POINT, Ga. - Georgia has already recorded more than twice as many cases of hand, foot and mouth disease this year compared with all of last year, according to state health officials.

What we know:

The viral illness, which causes painful blisters on the hands, feet and inside the mouth, is spreading quickly among young children, with spikes reported in August and September as schools reopened. State data show 124 cases so far this year, up from 54 in 2024.

Doctors say children under 5 are most likely to contract the illness, which spreads easily through saliva, respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces and fecal matter. Siblings often pass it among themselves, and parents sometimes catch it from their children.

Because it is viral, antibiotics are not used to treat hand, foot a

See Full Page