A doctor examines a child at Children's Hospitals 1. Photo nld.vn

HCM CITY — The Hồ Chí Minh City Centre for Disease Control (HCDC) has reported a significant increase in the number of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases and hospitalisations in the region.

According to their latest findings from July 3 to 9, 2023 (week 27), the outbreak is spreading rapidly throughout the city.

Since the beginning of the year, certain districts in the city have witnessed a high incidence rate of HFMD infections per 100,000 people. These districts include Bình Tân, Bình Chánh, Tân Phú, District 6, and District 8.

In the most recent week (week 27th), the city recorded 1,614 HFMD cases, showing an alarming increase of almost 2.5 times compared to the average of 716 cases reported four weeks earlier.

The surge in cases began to be noticed from May 8, 2023, and along with the increased numbers, the severity of cases has also risen.

Doctor Trần Ngọc Lưu from the Department of Infection at Children's Hospital 2, has expressed concerns about the mounting hospitalisation rates compared to a month ago. Some patients exhibit signs of worsening conditions and neurological complications, necessitating close monitoring in the recovery room.

The health sector has issued a dire forecast, predicting a continued increase in both the overall cases and the number of severe cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in the forthcoming weeks. This concerning trend could persist for an extended period unless immediate and drastic preventive measures are implemented.

Doctor Lưu emphasised that the current hot season contributes to the rise of diseases related to respiratory and digestive infections, with the hand, foot, and mouth group being particularly susceptible.

Dengue fever

In addition to the HFMD outbreak, HCMC is also facing an escalating risk of dengue fever.

According to data from HCDC, from the beginning of the year until week 27, specific districts have recorded a high incidence of dengue cases per 100,000 people, including District 1, Bình Chánh District, District 8, Bình Thạnh District, and Bình Tân District.

During week 27, the entire city documented 237 dengue cases, signifying a concerning 32 per cent increase compared to the average of 180 cases recorded four weeks prior.

Although the number of new HFMD and dengue fever cases is currently lower than in the same period last year, it is distressing to note that the ratio of severe cases to the total number of new cases in both epidemics has escalated. For instance, last year, out of 100 cases, only 10 were classified as severe. This year, with 100 new cases, the number of severe cases has risen to about 20.

Nguyễn Hồng Tâm, Director of HCDC, has revealed that no deaths have been recorded due to dengue fever at this point. However, the increase in severe cases warrants significant attention and immediate action.

According to the Department of Health, the yearly progression of dengue fever has already begun to increase. The peak season is expected to last from July until the end of October each year.

Disturbingly, surveillance reports indicate that the detection rate of larvae at risk points is alarmingly high, reaching close to 48 per cent (49 out of 103 points). This rate is anticipated to rise further with increased rainfall if drastic measures are not taken to control dengue risk areas.

The emergence of both hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and dengue fever poses a significant challenge.

Doctor Trương Hữu Khanh, Vice Chairman of the HCM City Infectious Diseases Association, emphasised the urgency of simultaneously preventing both diseases.

"It is crucial to implement preventive practices for HFMD at home and in schools, while working collaboratively to eliminate mosquitoes, larvae, and clean up waterlogged areas to effectively combat dengue fever," he said.

Khanh further highlighted the concerning aspect of the coexistence of HFMD and dengue fever, as it places a tremendous burden on treatment resources.

To address the forecast increase in the epidemic, the Department of Health has proactively implemented a series of disease prevention measures. Hospitals have been directed to develop response scenarios and stratify treatment for both dengue and hand, foot, and mouth disease.

The Department of Health has established a three-tier response scenario for hand, foot, and mouth disease, with the final level involving pediatric hospitals and Hospitals for Tropical Diseases, equipped to handle the most severe cases.

Additionally, an expert group has been formed to address hand, foot, and mouth disease cases. This group aims to strengthen consultations for severe cases requiring referral or complicated situations with units in the city and southern provinces/cities. The assignment of Children's Hospitals 1 and 2, City Children's Hospital, and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases is to provide professional and technical support and guide hospitals in the southern region regarding prompt and effective treatment to minimize mortality from hand, foot, and mouth disease.

In light of the escalating health risks, cooperation among healthcare institutions, local authorities, and the public is of utmost importance. Immediate and cohesive efforts are essential in combatting the spread of these epidemics and ensuring the well-being of the community in Hồ Chí Minh City. VNS