At a press briefing on May 14, the city’s Centre for Disease Control (HCDC) said more than 16,000 dengue cases had been recorded since the start of the year, up more than 70 per cent from the same period in 2025.
Hand, foot and mouth disease cases also more than doubled year-on-year to nearly 16,000, with fatalities recorded from both diseases.
Le Hong Nga, deputy director of HCDC, said the EV71 virus strain linked to severe hand, foot and mouth disease cases had been detected this year, with infections already reported at several schools.
In addition to dengue and hand, foot and mouth disease, the city has also recorded scattered cases of meningococcal disease, measles and other infectious illnesses in the first four months of 2026.
Dengue fever typically enters its seasonal peak between June and July, while hand, foot and mouth disease could rise again after the start of the new school year.
Authorities said the city would launch a series of prevention campaigns ahead of ASEAN Dengue Day on June 15, including mosquito breeding site inspections, environmental clean-ups and public awareness activities.
HCDC also encouraged vaccination against dengue fever and other vaccine-preventable diseases including measles, meningococcal disease and influenza.
Parents of children under five are advised to closely monitor symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease, including fever, mouth ulcers and blisters on the hands and feet.
Health authorities also urged residents to maintain preventive measures such as hand washing, mask wearing when experiencing respiratory symptoms and improving environmental hygiene.