Ministry of Health Call for Precautions Against Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Schools
Following a 2.5-fold increase in cases during the first eight months of the year in Vietnam, the Ministry of Health has requested an increase in control measures in schools.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has called on the Ministry of Education and local authorities to strengthen preventive measures in schools as hand, foot and mouth disease cases increased by more than 2.5 times compared to last year during the first eight months of 2026.
Increase and Distribution of Case Numbers
According to the infectious disease surveillance system, approximately 100,000 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease were recorded nationwide in the first eight months of 2026. This figure represents an increase of more than 2.5 times compared to the same period last year.
In the last four weeks, high case numbers continued to be recorded in many regions such as Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, Da Nang, and Hanoi.
Age Group at Risk
The disease is predominantly concentrated in young children under the age of 5, particularly those attending nurseries and kindergartens. This age group accounts for 87.3% of the total recorded cases.
Inter-Ministerial Coordination
The Ministry of Health sent an official document to the Ministry of Education and Training and the People's Committees of provinces and cities, requesting the enhancement of control measures in educational institutions.
It is requested to coordinate awareness-raising activities for teachers and parents to help them recognize suspicious symptoms and ensure correct response methods.
Hygiene and Cleaning Measures
Educational institutions are required to ensure a clean environment, well-ventilated classrooms, and adequate lighting. The principles of clean food, clean living environment, and clean hands are applied for nurseries and kindergartens.
Classroom disinfection and regular cleaning of surfaces touched by children must be carried out completely in accordance with the guidance of health authorities.
Expectations for the Upcoming Period
The Ministry of Health predicts that cases of hand, foot and mouth disease may continue to increase in the coming period. It is also noted that other infectious diseases, such as dengue fever and COVID-19, carry the risk of becoming complex.
The Department of Disease Control and Prevention emphasized that the disease spreads throughout the year and peaks particularly during September and October.