Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cases Surge in Vietnam

A significant increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases is being reported in Vietnam, particularly among young children. Health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak as hospitalizations rise.

Rising Cases and Hospitalizations

According to data from the National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi, nearly 3,000 children contracted HFMD in the first two months of 2026. Approximately one-third of these cases required hospitalization. This represents a 56% increase in cases and a doubling of hospitalizations compared to the same period in 2025, indicating the disease is currently at its peak season.

What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

HFMD is an acute infectious disease caused by enteroviruses. It commonly affects children under five years old. The virus spreads through direct contact with secretions (such as saliva and nasal discharge), feces, or contaminated surfaces. Daycare centers and preschools, where close contact and shared toys are common, provide favorable conditions for rapid spread.

Symptoms and Complications

While most cases of HFMD are mild and resolve on their own, experts caution that some cases can become severe. Initial symptoms often include a mild fever, fatigue, sore throat, or loss of appetite. These are followed by the development of mouth ulcers and blister-like rashes on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, buttocks, and knees.

Complications, though rare, can be serious and include encephalitis, meningitis, myocarditis, and acute pulmonary edema. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent these dangerous outcomes.

Multiple Infections and Immunity

Dr. Nguyen Van Lam, Director of the Center for Tropical Diseases at the National Children’s Hospital, explains that HFMD is caused by many different strains of viruses. After infection with one strain, the body develops immunity only to that specific strain, offering no long-lasting protection against others. This means children can contract HFMD multiple times throughout their lives.

Treatment and Prevention

There is currently no specific cure for HFMD. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and monitoring the disease’s progression. Most cases resolve spontaneously within 7 to 10 days with proper care.

Key preventative measures include:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water.
• Regular cleaning of toys and household surfaces.
• Avoiding the sharing of personal items (cups, utensils, towels).
• Isolating sick children to prevent further spread.

Ongoing Surveillance

Health authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely and provide guidance to healthcare providers and the public.