Children being treated at the Hanoi-based National Children's Hospital
Hanoi CDC reported up to 135 new hand, foot, and mouth infection cases during a week from June 13-19.
"As many as 721 cases have been confirmed in the city since the beginning of this year, fourfold compared to the same period last year," the centre said. "No fatalities have been recorded."
Hanoi CDC director Khong Minh Tuan warned that the disease may spread when kindergartens reopen.
The Hanoi-based National Children's Hospital has also received an increasing number of patients with hand, foot, and mouth disease. In April and May, 776 children came for check-ups and treatment of hand, foot, and mouth disease, up 759 compared to two previous months.
Doctor Do Thien Hai from National Children's Hospital said that hand, foot, and mouth disease was common all year round but mostly seen during changes in weather.
According to health experts, hand, foot, and mouth disease is common among young children and transmitted through the gastrointestinal tract, therefore it was important for children and their caregivers to practice good personal hygiene. Symptoms of the disease include mild or moderate fever, fatigue, sore throat, skin rash on palms, feet, knees, and buttocks, and sores on the lining of the cheeks, gums, and tongue.
Experts have warned that annual epidemics such as dengue fever and hand-foot-mouth disease will be complicated this year after social activities resumed following the COVID-19 pandemic.
