🚨 PARENTS, DO NOT BE COMPLACENT! HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE IS SURGING SHARPLY!

According to data from the Infectious Disease Surveillance System, in just the first 8 months of 2026, Vietnam recorded nearly 100,000 cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)—a sharp surge of over 2.5 times compared to the same period last year.

Even more concerning, children under 5 years old (especially toddlers and preschoolers) are the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 87.3% of total cases. In response to the complex evolution of the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has issued an order requiring educational institutions to proactively step up disease prevention efforts, aiming to contain the outbreak early and prevent widespread transmission.

To help parents stay calm, fully understand the disease, recognize warning signs early, and care for their children properly, MSc. MD. Su Thi Nhu Ngoc – Specialist in Pediatrics at CarePlus Clinic System, shares accurate and valuable medical insights below!

1️⃣ Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

• Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is an acute viral infection in children caused by viruses belonging to the Human enterovirus A (HEVA) species, Enterovirus genus, Picornaviridae family. The most common pathogens are Coxsackievirus (CV) A10, A14, A16, and Enterovirus 71 (EV71). Among these, the majority of severe cases and fatalities are caused by EV71.

• Anyone can contract the disease, but it is most commonly seen in children under 5 years old. In Vietnam, outbreaks typically follow two seasonal peaks per year: from March to May and from September to November.

• Clinical manifestations: Children typically present with fatigue, fever, and fluid-filled blisters (2–10 mm in size, whitish, oval-shaped). These blisters commonly appear on the buttocks, knees, palms, and soles of the feet, and are usually painless and non-itchy. Blisters can also form inside the mouth; when they burst, they leave painful ulcers causing children to be fussy and refuse food.

• ⚠️ Warning: While most cases self-resolve, infection with Enterovirus 71 can lead to highly dangerous complications such as encephalitis, myocarditis, and meningitis. Without prompt and proper treatment, severe complications can lead to death within hours.

2️⃣ Red Flag Symptoms: When to Seek Immediate Medical Care?

▶️ Parents should bring a child with HFMD to a specialized hospital immediately if any of the following warning signs appear:

• High fever or a fever lasting more than 2 days

• Frequent vomiting or refusing to nurse/drink milk

• Startling, sudden jolts, or panicking (the child jerks awake, opens their eyes, then falls back asleep)

• Difficulty sleeping, extreme lethargy, or persistent crying

• Limb tremors or convulsions

• Weakness or paralysis in arms/legs, or unsteady gait

• Mottled skin, profuse sweating, or cold extremities

3️⃣ How to Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

▶️ HFMD does not confer permanent immunity, meaning a child can be reinfected. Furthermore, because multiple viral strains cause the disease, having it once does not prevent future infections. Currently, there is no vaccine available for HFMD in Vietnam.

▶️ The virus spreads primarily through direct contact with nasal or throat secretions, saliva, fluid from blisters, or stool. To prevent infection, the Department of Health advises the public to follow the "3 Cleans" principle: Clean food/drink, clean living environment, and clean hands & toys. Specifically:

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

• Disinfect surfaces and daily objects that children touch regularly—such as toys, learning materials, doorknobs, stair handrails, tabletops/chairs, and floors—using soap or common household detergents.

• Maintain good food hygiene and ensure the use of safe, clean water in daily activities.

• Avoid contact with individuals who are sick or suspected of being infected. If a child shows suspicious symptoms, take them to the nearest medical facility immediately for an evaluation.

🔔 Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in children is dangerous due to the lack of a preventive vaccine and its potential to cause fatal complications. Parents are encouraged to protect their children under all circumstances to prevent tragic outcomes.

📢 If you suspect your child is showing signs of HFMD, do not hesitate to bring them to CarePlus Clinic for a timely examination by our doctors!

📞 For consultation and appointment booking, please contact our Hotline 1800 6116 or message the CarePlus Fanpage for immediate assistance.

Reference:

Government News Portal: https://baochinhphu.vn/so-ca-mac-tay-chan-mieng-tang-25-lan-102260905184313288.htm