Statistics from the Ministry of Health show that from the beginning of the year to date, there have been 4 deaths from hand, foot and mouth disease. Compared to the same period in 2025, the number of cases has increased very sharply, putting significant pressure on epidemic prevention and treatment in many localities.
According to Dr. Le Hong Nga - Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control, in the first 12 weeks of the year, hospitals in the city received nearly 11,000 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, double compared to the same period last year. Notably, the number of severe cases from grade 2B and above increased 5 times. Ho Chi Minh City also recorded 4 cases of child deaths from hand, foot and mouth disease, while in the same period last year there were no deaths.
The Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City informed that the results of monitoring the cause of hand, foot and mouth disease in Ho Chi Minh City and the Southern region show that the rate of infection with Enterovirus A71 (EV71) is main. This is a highly virulent virus strain, easily causing serious complications in the nervous system, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The Southern region is still the place with the highest number of cases recorded, accounting for 71.9% of the total number of cases nationwide. The majority of patients are children under 10 years old, accounting for 99.3%. Among them, the group of children from 1 to 5 years old - nursery age - continues to be the most affected. Hand, foot and mouth disease is showing signs of outbreaks with a cycle of about 3 years.
In order to respond urgently, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control organizes online training on epidemic prevention and control for all teachers and caregivers in the area. The health sector is strengthening surveillance at preschool facilities, requiring sampling for testing for all cases from level 2B - a warning level with the risk of severe progression, starting to appear neurological complications and requiring hospitalization.
Dr. Hoang Minh Duc - Director of the Department of Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health said that the Ministry requests localities to focus resources and prevent widespread outbreaks. Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease that circulates year-round, but usually increases cyclically in March to May and from September to October. This is also the time when the weather, environment and living conditions create favorable conditions for pathogens to spread, especially in families with young children and childcare facilities, kindergartens.
The Department of Disease Prevention (Ministry of Health) has requested Departments of Health of provinces and cities to strengthen epidemic prevention and control measures, promote communication to help people proactively protect children. The health sector recommends that parents and caregivers regularly wash their hands with soap, keep food clean, stay clean, clean toys, household items and ensure food safety. At schools, especially nurseries and kindergartens, it is necessary to strictly implement "3 cleanliness", and at the same time clean classrooms, tables, chairs, toys and surfaces that children often come into contact with daily to limit the spread of pathogens.
The Ministry of Health also requests to strengthen surveillance, early detection and thorough handling of outbreaks, organize good reception, tuyến treatment, closely monitor severe cases to reduce mortality. Strictly control the risk of cross-infection in medical facilities through separation of channels, early screening and arrangement of appropriate treatment areas.
