In particular, the southern region documented a total of 7,500 HFMD cases, accounting for 74.1% of the total cases recorded across the country. Meanwhile, the northern region witnessed more than 1,300 cases, the central region reported approximately 1,000 cases, and the Central Highlands region recorded 200 cases.

According to Hoang Minh Duc, director of the Department of Preventive Medicine, 90% of cases involve children under the age of five. He noted that no deaths from HFMD have been recorded so far.

HFMD is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by Coxsackie virus (A16) and Enterovirus 71 (EV71). Locally, the number of cases tends to increase between March and May and from August to September.

Duc pointed out that symptoms of the disease usually include fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. The rash is commonly found on the hands and feet, mainly in the form of blisters and is commonly found on the palms, soles, knees, and buttocks.

Patients should be hospitalized in the event that they suffer from a high fever which cannot be reduced by paracetamol, or alternatively show symptoms such as vomiting, convulsions, and an increased heart rate.

Furthermore, any infected children should not go to school for at least 10 days in an attempt to avoid further spreading the disease to others.

VOV