The number of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases has been rising rapidly in recent times, with a strong potential for spread within the community, especially among young children, who are at high risk of complications when infected.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, in nearly the first 3 months of 2026, the whole country recorded 25,094 cases, including 4 deaths. The southern region alone accounted for 71.9% (with 18,031 cases), and most cases were found in children aged 1–5 years (92.7%) — an age group whose immune systems are still immature and who lack awareness of self-protection.
Worryingly, many severe cases are linked to the highly virulent EV71 virus strain, which progresses rapidly and increases the risk of death.
Given this situation, the Ministry of Health recommends that the public proactively strengthen disease prevention and control, following the "3 Clean" principle:
Keep hands clean: wash hands frequently with soap or antiseptic solution.
Keep the environment clean: clean living spaces, household items, and daily contact surfaces.
Practice food hygiene: ensure food is thoroughly cooked and water is boiled before drinking.
These small daily habits are simple but play a very significant role. By maintaining them consistently, the risk of infection can be significantly reduced.
According to Dr. Truong Van Thai (Level I Specialist) – Head of the Pediatrics Department, HIU Hospital:
"Hand, foot, and mouth disease occurs year-round and can cause dangerous complications such as encephalitis and myocarditis, so patients need to be detected early and monitored and treated promptly. During this period, parents should pay closer attention to monitoring and caring for their children. When a child shows suspicious signs such as fever, mouth ulcers, or blister-like rashes especially on the palms, soles, and buttocks, or shows signs of sore throat, discomfort, or poor appetite, parents should take the child to a medical facility early so doctors can perform a comprehensive examination and better control the disease."
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is not rare, but it can be well controlled if detected early and monitored and cared for properly. Being proactive in small ways every day is the best way to keep children safer during outbreak season.
_* Reference source: Ministry of Health_
As a facility that receives and provides specialized treatment for childhood illnesses, the Pediatrics Department at HIU Hospital aims to provide healthcare services suited to each age group and health condition:
General and periodic health check-ups.
Inpatient treatment and management of specialized medical conditions.
Nutrition counseling and support alongside Nutrition specialists.
Safe vaccination for children at the vaccination center.