Cases increase more than 2 times, many children progress severely
Vinh Long recorded nearly 3,500 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease since the beginning of 2026, an increase of more than 2 times compared to the same period last year. The disease appeared in 124/124 communes and wards, with 140 outbreaks recorded.
In the most recent week alone, the whole province recorded nearly 110 new cases. Although there have been no deaths, the disease is mainly in children under 5 years old, which can progress rapidly, especially when children return to school.
At the Department of Pediatrics (Vinh Long General Hospital), a parent said that their child initially only had a mild fever and fatigue, but then suddenly had convulsions. The family immediately took the child to the hospital for emergency treatment.
BS.CK2 Tran Chi Cong - Head of Pediatrics Department, Vinh Long General Hospital, said that the initial symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease are easily confused with many other diseases, making early detection difficult.
According to Dr. Tran Chi Cong, parents need to take their children to the doctor immediately if a high fever of 39-40 degrees lasts for 2-3 days. Blisters on hands, feet or damage to the oral mucosa also need to be noted.
The disease usually progresses for 7-10 days, of which the 2nd to 5th day is a dangerous stage, prone to neurological and cardiovascular complications," warned Dr. Tran Chi Cong.
Symptoms such as frequent vomiting, lethargy, startling, tremors in limbs or convulsions are warning signs of the disease becoming severe. Children need to be taken to a medical facility immediately for treatment.
Tightening disease prevention from schools to families
Faced with the increasing risk of hand, foot and mouth disease as preschool children enter the new school year, Vinh Long Department of Health requests grassroots units to zone and thoroughly handle outbreaks.
Preschools and private children's groups strengthen hygiene and disinfect classrooms, toys, and contact surfaces; at Mang Non Kindergarten, teachers guide children to wash their hands with soap before eating, after cleaning and playing.
Ms. Mac Hong Van - Vice Principal of Mang Non Kindergarten, said that the school integrates hand washing into songs and games to form hygiene habits for children.
Toys and classrooms are disinfected periodically, and the school also focuses on nutrition to improve children's resistance," Ms. Mac Hong Van informed.
According to the health sector, parents when detecting children with signs suspected of hand, foot and mouth disease should proactively let children take leave from school, isolate them at home for 7-10 days, and limit contact to avoid spreading the disease.
The Provincial Center for Disease Control recommends that families implement the "3 clean" principle, including clean eating, clean living and clean toys. This is a practical disease prevention measure at the present time.
Parents need to regularly wash their children's hands with soap under running water, clean the house, disinfect floors, contact surfaces and clean toys and household items.
BS.CK1 Tran Thi Tuyet Mai - Head of Nutrition Department, Vinh Long General Hospital, reminds parents to adjust their sleep hours, eat balanced meals, limit electronic devices and increase exercise.
In the context of erratic sunny and rainy weather, when children return to a collective living environment, the risk of hand, foot and mouth disease spread needs to be controlled. Coordination between schools, healthcare and family is very important.
