VietNamNet Bridge – More than 2,100 children in HCM City contracted hand, foot and mouth disease over the past three months, double the number in the same period last year, according to the city's Department of Health.

A total of 70 per cent of the patients are under three years old.

The reason for the increase was the appearance of a new virus enterovirus 71 type B2, said director of the department Le Truong Giang.

Hygiene levels in homes and schools was also an issue, he said.

Doctors at the Paediatrics Hospital No 1 said that in the last week of May, more than 100 children per day were being hospitalised with the disease. In the Paediatrics Hospital No 2, 5,450 children were tested for the disease last month, and 795 of them were hospitalised, double the number in April.

The municipal People's Committee on Tuesday sent an urgent letter to health, education and training, information and communication departments, and district people's committees, urging them to take preventive measures.

Doctors warned that residents should wash children's hands regularly and clean children's toys and homes with antiseptic solution once a week.

If children show symptoms of a high temperature, difficulty breathing and rashes on their feet, hands and mouth, they should be taken to hospital immediately.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News