Cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) are increasing across the Philadelphia region. The uptick comes as children, who are most susceptible to the virus, get ready to head back to school. Said Dr. Dan Taylor: "In 24 years as a pediatrician, I really have not seen this many cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in my entire career." While common in infants, babies, and toddlers, cases in older kids are growing, he added. "Atypical cases occur in older kids, kids older than five, younger kids get it in the mouth, whereas older kids get it around the mouth and in the arms and legs," he said. "HFMD is unsightly and can be painful at times. The drooling factor definitely makes enterovirus more contagious. It's shed in the stool, so when you have little ones, changing diapers can increase it. Handwashing and hygiene are paramount."