Ministry of Health Issues Emergency Precaution Call for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease nationwide have increased 2.5-fold compared to last year, reaching the level of 100,000. The Ministry requested that hygiene measures be tightened, especially in preschool educational institutions.
The Ministry of Health has issued an emergency warning following approximately 100,000 recorded cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in the first eight months of 2026. Deputy Minister Do Xuan Tuyen instructed that comprehensive measures be taken to control infectious diseases in educational institutions.
Severe Increase in Case Numbers
According to data from the infectious disease surveillance system, the number of cases recorded in the first eight months of 2026 increased more than 2.5 times compared to the same period last year. The total number of cases reached approximately 100,000, reaching a worrying dimension in terms of public health.
Groups at Risk
The disease is particularly concentrated in children under the age of 5. 87.3% of the recorded cases consist of children attending nurseries and kindergartens. Experts warn that the number of cases may continue to increase in the upcoming period.
Regional Spread and Other Risks
In the last four-week period, a significant rise in case numbers was observed in regions such as Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, Da Nang and Hanoi. Additionally, there is a risk that diseases such as dengue fever and Covid-19 may follow a more complex course.
Hygiene Instructions for Educational Institutions
The Ministry of Health requested that hygiene standards be raised in educational institutions and that classrooms be regularly disinfected. The meticulous implementation of the 'three clean principles' in schools is seen as a critical step to reduce the risk of an outbreak.