According to the HCM City Centre for Disease Control (HCDC), the city recorded 40,446 cases from the start of 2026 through October 11. Infections during October 5-11 were 32.2 per cent above the average of the previous four weeks.
Nguyen Dinh Qui, a doctor at Children's Hospital 2, urged parents to recognise early symptoms, including painful mouth ulcers and red spots or blisters on the hands, feet, knees and buttocks.
Children showing symptoms should be examined by a doctor and closely monitored if advised to recover at home.
Parents should seek immediate medical attention if a child develops a fever above 39 degrees Celsius, persistent fever lasting two days or more, sudden jerking movements during sleep, trembling hands, unsteady walking or limb weakness.
Repeated vomiting, unusual drowsiness and reduced activity are also warning signs.
Doctors recommend keeping infected children away from school for at least 10 days after symptoms begin, maintaining hygiene and disinfecting household surfaces to limit transmission.
Le Thi Giao Thi, a doctor with the Long Chau pharmacy and vaccination network, said most children recover within seven to 10 days, but infections caused by Enterovirus 71 (EV71) can lead to serious complications.
The virus can affect the central nervous system, causing encephalitis, brainstem inflammation and severe respiratory or circulatory problems. In critical cases, complications may include pulmonary oedema, respiratory failure and death.
Vietnam approved an EV71 vaccine in 2026. A phase-three clinical trial involving more than 3,000 children in Vietnam and Taiwan reported 96.8 per cent efficacy against EV71-related disease.
However, doctors stressed that the vaccine protects against EV71, not all viruses responsible for hand, foot and mouth disease.
They advised parents to combine vaccination with good hygiene, close monitoring and prompt medical care when warning signs appear.