Ho Chi Minh City is experiencing a sharp rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases, with 348 infections reported in the 12th week of 2025, prompting local health authorities to call for strict adherence to hygiene rules to curb the outbreak.

From March 17 to March 23, the city recorded a significant surge in HFMD cases, marking an 84.4-percent increase compared to the average of the previous four weeks, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC).

The highest case numbers were reported in Binh Tan District, District 8, and District 6. 

Since the beginning of the year, the city has documented a total of 1,917 cases.

Local hospitals are also reporting a spike in pediatric HFMD cases.

Children’s Hospital 1 has admitted over 140 HFMD patients in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing both last year’s figure for the same period and the five-year average for the first quarter.

Similarly, Thu Duc City Hospital recorded 132 outpatient visits and seven hospitalizations due to HFMD during the same period, according to HCDC.

Dr. Pham Hoang Anh Khoa, a pediatrician at the hospital, warned that HFMD is an acute viral infection primarily affecting children under five, particularly those younger than three. 

The disease, caused by Coxsackievirus and Enterovirus 71, spreads rapidly through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets.

Typical HFMD symptoms include fever, fatigue, sore throat, oral mucosal and skin lesions, mainly in the form of blisters, commonly found on palms, soles, knees, and buttocks.  

Severe complications, such as encephalitis, myocarditis, and acute pulmonary edema, can lead to fatal outcomes if not promptly treated.

Dr. Khoa urged parents to seek medical attention immediately if their child shows symptoms like fever, blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth, or unusual fatigue.

He also advised against home remedies and self-medication.

Children diagnosed with HFMD should stay home and isolate for seven to 10 days to prevent spreading the virus.

Dr. Khoa emphasized the importance of a well-balanced diet in recovery, recommending sufficient protein from fish, eggs, and dairy, along with vitamins from red, yellow, and dark green vegetables.

With no vaccine available for HFMD, prevention remains the best defense, the municipal Department of Health advised.

Officials recommend that everyone should use clean food and water, keep a hygienic living environment, and maintain proper hygiene for hands and toys.

Parents should seek immediate medical care if a child shows HFMD symptoms to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

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