The number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Ho Chi Minh City is on the rise, with many cases developing severe complications, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Centre for Disease Control (HCDC).
HCDC reported that as at Nov 30, the number of HFMD cases increased by 68.6% compared with the same period in 2024.
The city recorded 1,225 cases within a week from Dec 1 to 7.
Con Dao Special Zone, Nha Be commune and Binh Tan ward had the highest number of infection cases per 100,000 people.
Deputy director of HCDC Le Hong Nga, said that the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) subtype is the main reason for the increase in severe HFMD cases.
HFMD caused by EV71 can be more serious with dangerous complications that require immediate hospitalisation, the deputy director said.
The city’s Department of Health highlighted that the appearance of EV71 is closely related to the increase in the number of cases and severe cases.
In November, Children’s Hospital 1 tested 18 severe cases of HFMD and found 10 positive for EV71. — The Vietnam News/ANN
