Nearly 100,000 cases have been reported nationwide in the first eight months of 2026, 2.5 times the figure in the same period last year, according to the infectious disease surveillance system.
Hand, foot and mouth disease circulates year-round but typically increases in September and October, coinciding with the start of the school year when children have greater contact in group settings.
The disease, which mainly affects young children, can spread rapidly within families and in nurseries, kindergartens and other places where children gather.
The Ministry of Health's Department of Disease Prevention has urged parents, caregivers and schools to follow its 'three clean' approach: clean food, clean surroundings and clean hands.
Children should eat well-cooked food, drink safe water and avoid sharing towels, cups, bowls, spoons and other personal items.
Homes, classrooms and play areas should be regularly cleaned, particularly toys, learning materials, desks, door handles, stair railings and floors.
Children, parents and caregivers should wash their hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before preparing or eating food and after using the toilet, changing nappies or caring for a sick child.
Nurseries and kindergartens should ensure adequate access to clean water, soap and handwashing facilities, regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces and monitor children for signs of infection.
Children showing symptoms such as fever, mouth ulcers or blisters on the hands, feet, knees or buttocks should stay home and be taken for medical assessment.
Parents should seek immediate medical attention if a child develops persistent high fever, frequent startling, trembling, unusual irritability or drowsiness, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulties or worsening symptoms.
