According to the Provincial Center for Disease Control, the situation of hand, foot and mouth disease in the province tends to increase significantly compared to the same period last year, especially during the current seasonal transition.
The infectious disease surveillance system has recorded that from the beginning of 2026 to now, Vinh Long province has nearly 1,450 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, an increase of over 150% compared to the same period in 2025 and nearly 50 outbreaks have appeared.
The disease mainly occurs in children under 5 years old, mostly at a mild level such as fever, hand and foot rash, but there are still severe cases. Notably, in April alone, nearly 600 cases were recorded, an increase of 68% compared to March.
Dr. Ho Thi Thu Hang - Director of Vinh Long Provincial Department of Health - said that the risk of the epidemic continuing to increase in the coming time if it is not well controlled in the community, especially in kindergartens, family children's groups and crowded residential areas.
Faced with this situation, the health agency strengthens coordination with the Education sector to implement epidemic prevention measures at schools. At the same time, the unit promotes communication to parents and caregivers about effective disease prevention methods.
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease. This is a disease transmitted through the digestive tract, so the most important thing is still to maintain hygiene. Clean eating, clean living and clean hands are 3 measures to be implemented.
Parents need to proactively closely monitor their children's health. When early signs of seriousness are detected, families must immediately take their children to medical facilities for timely treatment to avoid complications," the Director of the Department of Health added.
