Phu Yen Province in south-central Vietnam has reported a human death from hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and has detected two HFMD clusters in An Ninh Tay Commune under Tuy An District, a representative of the provincial Center for Disease Control said on Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as a two-year-old girl who resided in Tien Chau Village under An Ninh Tay Commune, according to Dr. Chau Trong Phat, deputy director of the center.

Three days after being infected with the disease, the child was rushed to the Phu Yen Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital on June 29, but her health got worse.

Her family asked the hospital to transfer the patient to the Binh Dinh Province General Hospital at 4:30 pm the same day, but the girl was pronounced dead prior to the transfer.

Following her death, the center teamed up with the Healthcare Center of Tuy An District to conduct disinfection and called on residents to stay on high alert for the disease, said Dr. Phat.

Two HFMD clusters were detected in Tien Chau Village with four cases, and Binh Thanh Village with eight cases. The two villages are located in An Ninh Tay Commune.

Phu Yen Province has recorded 28 HFMD cases among children since the start of 2023. These cases were mainly detected in Tuy An District and Tuy Hoa City.

Dr. Phat said that HFMD is common among children under age 10. The infected patients typically exhibit fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, and skin rash symptoms on palms, feet, and buttocks as well as in the mouth.

“Parents should take their children to hospital if they develop these symptoms,” Dr. Phat said.

The disease is transmitted through the gastrointestinal tract, so parents are advised to practice good personal hygiene for their kids, keep their rooms and toys clean, and regularly wash their hands.

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