Vietnam reports surge in hand, foot, and mouth disease cases

Vietnam is experiencing a significant surge in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases. According to infectious disease surveillance data, nearly 100,000 cases were recorded in the first 8.5 months of the year, representing a 2.5-fold increase compared to the same period in 2025. In the last four weeks, the country has averaged over 3,000 new cases per week, with high concentrations in major cities and southern provinces.

The Ministry of Health's General Department of Preventive Medicine notes that while the disease is endemic year-round, cases typically spike in September and October. This trend coincides with the start of the new school year, as children return to classrooms and engage in close-contact activities, facilitating rapid viral transmission.

Health experts recommend the ‘3 clean’ principle to mitigate risks: clean eating, clean living, and clean hands. This includes consuming cooked food, using clean water, and frequent handwashing with soap. Schools and families are urged to regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces such as desks, toys, door handles, and floors to prevent outbreaks in childcare and educational environments.