Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai report rising dengue and hand-foot-mouth disease cases

Health authorities in Vietnam are reporting significant increases in infectious diseases. In Ho Chi Minh City, hand-foot-mouth disease cases rose by 7.9% compared to the previous four-week average, with over 1,800 cases recorded in a single week. The city's cumulative total for the year has exceeded 42,315 cases.

Dengue fever remains a major concern as well. Ho Chi Minh City recorded 1,603 dengue cases in one week, bringing the yearly total to over 40,678. In Dong Nai province, nearly 18,000 dengue cases and eight deaths have been reported through week 41.

Medical professionals in Dong Nai have warned of a trend where children experience severe complications, such as shock and multi-organ damage, as early as the third or fourth day of illness. Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and bleeding gums. Health departments are responding by increasing mosquito control measures and enhancing patient triage capabilities.