VietNamNet Bridge – The number of hand, foot and mouth infections has surged at schools in HCM City, especially at kindergartens, according to the city’s Preventive Health Centre.

A doctor at the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases treats a child diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease. – VNA/VNS Photo

Last month, an average of 150 children infected with hand, foot and mouth were hospitalised, Le Hong Nga, head of the centre’s infection control department, said.

In the first eight months of the year, the city reported nearly 2,500 in-patients with hand, foot, and mouth infections.

The number of out-patients with hand, foot, and mouth infections was fivefold higher than the number of hospitalised patients, Nga said.

The incidences, especially at schools, are expected to continue as some sick children have not been strictly isolated at home.

Truong Huu Khanh, head of the city’s Padiatrics No 1’s infectious diseases and neurological department, said that no protective vaccines exist against the contagious infection.

To reduce the risk of catching it, people should wash their hands frequently and use good hygiene.

Children with hand, foot, and mouth infections must stay at home for at least the first 10 days of illness, Khanh said.

If any cases at schools occur, schools must disinfect toys, floors and other surfaces that children often touch.

Phung Thi Ngoc Hien, rector of Tuoi Tho Kindergarten in the city’s District 8, said that teachers were trained in identifying symptoms and that parents were notified quickly so they could take their children to the hospital.

Source: VNS