BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

WARNING: HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE IS SPREADING RAPIDLY IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Regarding the overall situation in 20 southern provinces, according to the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, the total number of cases in the first 19 weeks of 2024 is 13,495, an increase of 33.1% compared to the same period in 2023 and a 55% increase compared to the average of the same period over the past five years. The number of cases in recent weeks in the region is also increasing compared to previous weeks, with one death reported.

WARNING: HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE IS SPREADING RAPIDLY IN HO CHI MINH CITY

As of noon on May 30, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), from May 20 to May 26 (week 21), Ho Chi Minh City recorded 581 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, a 26% increase compared to the average of the previous four weeks.

In the first 20 weeks of 2024, Ho Chi Minh City had 4,471 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease treated at medical facilities, a 33% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and equivalent to the average of the five years from 2018 to 2022. There were 40 severe cases (grade 2b or higher) and no deaths, and the surveillance system has not detected Enterovirus 71 – a virus that often causes large outbreaks with many severe cases and dangerous neurological, respiratory, and circulatory complications. However, parents still need to increase their knowledge, proactively prevent, detect early, and treat the disease in children. 

This article is consulted by MSc. Dr. Su Thi Nhu Ngoc – Pediatrics Specialist - CarePlus Clinic System  

Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is an acute viral infection in children caused by viruses belonging to the species A-human enteroviruses (HEVA), genus Enterovirus, family Picornaviridae. The most common causative agents are Coxsackievirus (CV) A10, A14, A16, and Enterovirus 71 (EV71). Most severe and fatal cases are due to EV71. 

Anyone can contract the disease, but it is most common in children under 5 years old. The disease usually occurs in two seasons each year, from March to May and then from September to November. 

Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease typically include fatigue, possible fever, and the appearance of white, oval-shaped blisters ranging in size from 2-10 mm, predominantly on the buttocks, knees, palms, and soles of the feet. These blisters are usually painless and non-itchy. Blisters also appear in the mouth and, when ruptured, cause painful mouth ulcers, making children irritable and unwilling to eat. 

Most cases will resolve on their own, but if caused by Enterovirus 71, some children may develop very dangerous complications such as encephalitis, myocarditis, and meningitis. If not treated promptly and correctly, these complications can result in death within a few hours. 

Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention

A child with hand, foot, and mouth disease should be taken to a specialized hospital immediately if they exhibit any of the following signs: 

- High fever or fever lasting more than two days 

- Frequent vomiting, refusal to eat 

- Startling, panic, lethargy (child jerks, opens eyes, then falls asleep again) 

- Difficulty sleeping or continuous crying 

- Limb tremors, seizures 

- Weakness or paralysis of hands or feet, unsteady walking 

- Purple mottled skin, sweating, cold hands and feet 

Preventing Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease does not provide permanent immunity, meaning it can recur. Furthermore, due to the various causative agents, even after infection, it can reoccur. Currently, there is no vaccine for hand, foot, and mouth disease in Vietnam. 

The virus mainly spreads through contact with nasal or throat secretions, saliva, blister fluid, or feces of an infected person. Therefore, to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease, the Department of Health recommends that the public and community actively follow the "3 clean" principle: eat (drink) clean, live clean, and keep hands and toys clean. Specifically: 

- Wash hands frequently with soap under running water several times a day (for both adults and children), especially before preparing food, before eating/feeding children, before holding children, after using the toilet, after changing diapers, and after cleaning children. 

- Clean daily contact surfaces and tools for children such as toys, learning tools, doorknobs, stair handrails, tables/chairs, and floors with soap or common disinfectants. 

- Maintain good hygiene practices and ensure the use of clean water in daily activities. 

- Do not let children come into contact with sick or suspected sick individuals. If signs of illness are suspected, take the child to the nearest medical facility immediately. 

Hand, foot, and mouth disease in children is dangerous due to the lack of a vaccine and can be fatal. Therefore, parents should protect their children and prevent the disease in any circumstance to avoid unfortunate consequences.

Related posts

Getting Through Hand Foot Mouth Disease Season With Your Baby
Bệnh TCM ở trẻ em đang diễn tiến phức tạp và đã có những ca tử vong được báo cáo. Bệnh có thể gây ra nhiều biến chứng nguy hiểm như viêm não, viêm cơ tim dẫn đến tử vong nếu không được phát hiện sớm và xử trí kịp thời. Tuy nhiên, chỉ cần bình tĩnh hiểu đúng về bệnh: nguyên nhân, triệu chứng và cách phòng ngừa, ba mẹ sẽ có thể cùng con vượt qua mùa bệnh thật nhẹ nhàng.

By Dr. Lai Thi Bich Thuy

The hand, foot and mouth season is back
''In the first week of July, the number of children visited and hospitalized with dengue fever and hand, foot, mouth disease (HFMD) increased. Experts predict that the peak season of dengue fever and HFMD is back. '' (Source: Youth Newspaper) Therefore, parents need to know the signs of the disease to have proper care and effective prevention to protect children from HFMD.

Symptoms, Diagnosis and Prevent of Hand Foot Mouth Disease
Đến nay cả nước đã ghi nhận 5.545 ca mắc tay chân miệng, trong đó 1 trường hợp tử vong. Bộ Y tế dự báo dịch bệnh tay chân miệng có xu hướng gia tăng trong thời gian tới đây. Do đó, ba mẹ hãy nâng cao nhận thức về các dấu hiệu của bệnh, cách chăm sóc và các biện pháp phòng ngừa để bảo vệ con khỏi nguy cơ mắc bệnh.

Warning signs of severe hand foot and mouth disease
Parents need to pay attention in the context of the disease starting to increase. Monitor the early symptoms of the disease, avoid severe progression. Among them, convulsions are a dangerous complication of hand, foot and mouth disease, which is a sign that the child has been infected with neurotoxins. If not treated in time, it can cause serious complications such as encephalitis, meningitis,...

By Dr. Lai Thi Bich Thuy

Recent posts

ALARMING FIGURES ON WORKPLACE MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH IN 2024
Musculoskeletal health is always a priority in the workplace. Reports indicate that up to 47% of employees experience reduced productivity due to muscle pain and joint aches. Discover preventive measures and improvement strategies in the article below!

ASTHMA IN CHILDREN – Early Detection and Treatment is Key!
Asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can come and go, varying with the extent of airway narrowing.

By DR. DANG NGOC VAN ANH

MASKED HYPERTENSION
Masked hypertension refers to a condition where a patient’s blood pressure (BP) appears normal (below 140/90 mmHg) when measured in a clinical setting but exceeds the threshold of 135/85 mmHg when measured outside the clinic, such as at home or with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) over 24 hours. The concern with masked hypertension is that it often goes unnoticed, yet it poses significant health risks. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, vision loss, heart failure, and an increased risk of stroke.

UNDERSTANDING “AT-HOME SAMPLE COLLECTION FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STDs)”
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are often sensitive topics that many feel uneasy discussing. The discomfort doesn’t just stem from symptoms; it’s also about the process of registration, waiting, and interacting with healthcare staff. Home testing for STDs offers a more private, relaxed experience, helping to ease these concerns.

By Dr. Nguyen Doan Quynh

WHY ARE OFFICE WORKERS PRONE TO TOOTH DECAY AND GINGIVITIS?
According to statistics, oral health issues are among the most common conditions among corporate employees undergoing periodic health check-ups at CarePlus during Q1 - Q3 2024, with tooth decay and gingivitis being the most prevalent issues.

By Dr. Phan Huu Quang

{{currentDoctor.Name}}
*{{ errors.first('form-1.Register name') }}
*{{ errors.first('form-1.Phone') }}
*{{ errors.first('form-1.Email') }}
Patient info:
*{{ errors.first('form-1.Patient name') }}