Ho Chi Minh City Faces Alarming Rise in Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease Cases

Surge in Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease in Vietnam's Largest City

Hanoi: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling southern metropolis, has seen a significant increase in hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD), with 32,637 cases reported since the beginning of the year, marking a 64% rise compared to the previous year, as per local reports.

Between November 17 and 23, the city recorded 1,547 new cases, reflecting a 15% increase over the average from the preceding four weeks, according to the city's Department of Health.

Tang Chi Thuong, the director of the health department, indicated that the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) strain has resurfaced this November, correlating with the rise in severe HFMD cases.

Of the 18 severe cases treated at a children's hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, 10 were confirmed to be infected with Enterovirus 71.

Thuong emphasized the importance of enhancing preventive measures within communities and educational institutions, as reported by Xinhua.

HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by a blister-like rash on the hands and feet, along with painful sores in the mouth. The rash can also manifest on other body parts such as the chest, back, arms, legs, and buttocks.

Children under the age of five are particularly susceptible to HFMD, which spreads rapidly in daycare settings and schools. However, older children and adults can also contract the virus. Due to the presence of multiple viruses that can cause HFMD, reinfection is possible.

Typically, HFMD is mild and resolves on its own within a week to ten days.

The disease is contagious, especially during the initial days of illness, often before any rash appears. Blisters generally dry up within ten days, reducing the likelihood of transmission. Nevertheless, the virus can persist in the stool for weeks after the rash has disappeared.