Vietnam health ministry issues urgent directive after HFMD claims 4 lives

A total of 25,094 infections have been reported nationwide, about five times higher than a year earlier, the ministry’s Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention said, citing the national infectious disease surveillance system.

The agency said the outbreak has resulted in four deaths so far this year.

Southern provinces accounted for 18,031 cases, or 71.9 percent of the total, while children under 10 years old made up 99.3 percent of the infections, mainly among those aged one to five.

The disease spreads through the digestive tract and occurs year-round, with seasonal increases typically seen between March and May and again from September to October.

The ministry said the infections are linked in part to gaps in personal and environmental hygiene.

It called on local authorities to step up prevention efforts, including public awareness campaigns on handwashing, food safety, and cleaning of children’s items, as well as maintaining hygienic living conditions.

Schools and childcare centers were urged to strengthen monitoring and prevention measures, with a focus on the early detection of suspected cases and prompt handling of outbreaks.

Health authorities were also instructed to intensify surveillance, ensure timely treatment and reduce fatalities, particularly among severe cases.

The ministry told hospitals to limit cross-infection, including between hand, foot, and mouth disease and other illnesses such as measles, pneumonia, and respiratory infections.

It said inspection teams would be deployed to support local responses and address challenges in disease control.