Japan's Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Cases Surge to National Alert Level

Since June 2026, cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have risen sharply among children under five across Japan. In Shimane Prefecture, the weekly report of 18 patients per medical facility far exceeds the national average and the alert threshold of 5, while neighboring Tottori recorded 7.3 per facility, also above the alert level.

Nationwide, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported an average of 7.03 patients per medical facility, the highest level in two years, with 27 prefectures surpassing the alert benchmark. The Ministry has urged continued hand‑washing and other preventive measures to curb the spread.