Over 11,000 hospitalised for hand-foot-mouth disease

HCM CITY — More than 11,000 people were hospitalised with hand-foot-mouth disease in August, and six people died, according to the Ministry of Health.

However, the number of people suffering from hand-foot-mouth disease fell by 70 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 76,000 people have contracted the disease, causing 41 deaths.

More cases of hand-foot-mouth infections were recorded in Viet Nam Nam last year than ever before, with the peak number occurring in September.

Vibhav R.Sanzgiri, global R&D director of the Lifebuoy brand, said hand-foot-mouth disease was one of five infections that were more common during hot and humid summer. Such weather has favourable conditions for a variety of pathogenic bacteria and viruses to thrive.

Skin-related diseases, food poisoning, dengue fever and eye diseases are also more common during hot and humid conditions.

He said that good hygiene was important and that parents should wash their children's hands often and thoroughly, and avoid any contact with infected people.

The ministry said the number of dengue fever cases had also increased in the central and southern region, with more than 9,200 in August.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 38,000 cases, with 29 fatalities, have occurred. Compared to the same period last year, the number of cases have increased by nearly 20 per cent.

The peak season for dengue fever is September through November. — VNS