Vietnam ramps up response to COVID-19, dengue, HFMD with national campaign

In an urgent dispatch issued on Sunday morning to local authorities across the country, the ministry warned that infectious diseases continue to evolve in complex ways globally, with rising cases in many countries – particularly of COVID-19, dengue, and HFMD.

Although Vietnam's outbreak situation remains under control, localized spikes have begun to appear since early May.

Notably, the rainy season has not officially started, yet many regions have already seen heavy rains, thunderstorms, and landslides – ideal conditions for disease transmission.

The summer travel season is also expected to increase population movement and large gatherings, raising the risk of further spread.

In response, the ministry has launched a two-month campaign spanning June and July, aimed at curbing the spread of the three diseases and safeguarding public health.

Dengue cases rising in both southern and northern regions

According to the Ministry of Health, between December 14, 2024 and February 17, 2025, Vietnam recorded 16,607 dengue fever cases nationwide, including one death.

In Ho Chi Minh City, cases surged 136 percent compared to the same period in 2024, with 7,398 infections reported by mid-May. The trend is not confined to the southern region.

In Hanoi, 12 new dengue cases were confirmed between May 9 and 16, an increase of eight cases from the previous week, bringing the capital's total for 2025 to 251.

Warning signs of dengue fever, which is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, include a high fever, tiny red spots on the skin (petechiae), bleeding from the gums or nose, easy bruising, and in pubertal girls, unusual vaginal bleeding.

People are advised to seek prompt medical attention if these symptoms appear.

Local governments have been directed to implement mosquito control measures at the community level, including eliminating stagnant water containers, covering water storage tanks, and inspecting clean water sources to destroy mosquito larvae.

HFMD cases climb among young children

HFMD, a viral illness spread through the gastrointestinal tract, primarily affects children under five.

The ministry has urged households and early education centers to emphasize regular hand hygiene among children.

Nearly 15,000 HFMD cases were reported nationwide in the first four months of 2025, with numbers rising sharply starting in March.

Of the total, 98.6 percent were children under 10, and 93.4 percent were aged one to five – the typical age for daycare and preschool.

In Ho Chi Minh City, cases have been climbing in recent weeks. During week 20 (May 12-18), the city recorded 916 cases, a 40.1-percent increase over the average of the previous four weeks.

Caused by viruses such as Coxsackievirus and Enterovirus 71, HFMD spreads quickly through contact with contaminated surfaces, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, sore throat, and skin or oral lesions, typically appearing as blisters on the hands, feet, knees, and buttocks.

COVID-19: Low numbers but continued vigilance

Vietnam has reported 148 COVID-19 cases across 27 provinces and cities since January, with no fatalities, according to the health ministry.

Although the number remains low, the past three weeks have seen a slight uptick, averaging around 20 new cases per week.

To help prevent further spread, the ministry continues to advise the public to wear masks in public places and on public transport, wash hands frequently, avoid unnecessary gatherings, stay physically active, maintain a healthy diet, and seek medical care if experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

To prevent a resurgence, travelers to and from countries with high COVID-19 infection rates are urged to monitor their health closely and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and others.

Coordinated response, early detection prioritized

As part of the two-month campaign to curb the three diseases, the ministry has instructed provincial People's Committees to strengthen coordination between preventive and treatment systems, particularly in updating infectious disease surveillance and monitoring cases of severe viral pneumonia.

Healthcare facilities have been told to ensure timely intake and treatment to prevent unnecessary fatalities or referral delays.

Plans must also be in place to support lower-level health facilities and avoid hospital overcrowding.

Local finance departments have been asked to promptly allocate and supplement funding for disease prevention and control, particularly for dengue, HFMD, COVID-19, and potential illnesses linked to flooding and heavy rainfall.

Joint inspection teams will monitor the implementation of health directives issued by the ministry and provincial governments.

Finally, the ministry underlined the need for public vigilance without panic and confirmed continued collaboration with the World Health Organization to closely monitor global developments and apply appropriate, evidence-based measures.