Strengthen measures to prevent and control hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Given the increasing trend of hand, foot, and mouth disease in many localities in the southern region, the health sector of Ca Mau province is proactively implementing a comprehensive set of measures to control the disease and limit its spread in the community.

• Nearly 30 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease and dengue fever are hospitalized each day.
• Warning of potential outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease.
• The EV71 virus attacks the nervous system of children with hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an acute infectious disease caused by a virus, primarily transmitted through the digestive tract, and commonly affects children under 5 years old. The disease tends to increase seasonally, especially from March to May and September to October each year.

Since the beginning of the year, Ca Mau has recorded more than 820 cases, an increase of over 170% compared to the same period in 2025. The risk of the number of cases and severe cases continuing to increase is high if drastic preventive and control measures are not implemented.

Tran Van Thoi Commune Health Station instructs children on hand hygiene to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease.

In Tran Van Thoi Commune, epidemiological surveillance has been strengthened to detect suspected cases in the community early. Simultaneously, communication efforts have been intensified, mobilizing the participation of various departments, organizations, and the public.

Dr. Kim Duc, Deputy Director of Tran Van Thoi Commune Health Station, said: “The health station closely coordinates with the local government and hamlet collaborators to monitor the disease, detect and handle it promptly, preventing its spread. At the same time, we coordinate with preschools to guide environmental hygiene, classroom hygiene, and hand hygiene. When a child is suspected of having the disease, the school immediately reports it to the health station for timely handling and isolation.”

In preschools and kindergartens, many disease prevention measures have been implemented, such as: improving hygiene in classrooms, toys, and contact surfaces; monitoring children's health daily; and coordinating closely with parents.

Ms. Tran Hong Phi, a teacher at Khanh Loc Kindergarten in Tran Van Thoi Commune, shared: “Teachers monitor children's health daily. If any suspicious signs are detected, they will isolate the child, notify parents, and inform the health authorities for appropriate action. At the same time, classrooms and toys are regularly cleaned to protect children's health.”

According to the health sector, several factors contribute to the increase in cases, such as hot and humid weather, which creates favorable conditions for the virus to thrive; especially the circulation of the EV71 strain – a virus strain that poses a high risk of severe illness. Meanwhile, young children lack awareness of personal hygiene and spend time together in nurseries and kindergartens, thus increasing the risk of transmission.

Children with hand, foot, and mouth disease treated at Ca Mau Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital are closely monitored, and any severe complications are promptly addressed.

Observations at treatment facilities indicate that preparations have been fully implemented in terms of personnel, medications, and equipment, and cases showing signs of worsening condition are being closely monitored.

Many cases develop into severe illness but do not present with obvious skin symptoms, making early detection difficult. Parents should take their children to a medical facility immediately if they show signs such as a high fever above 39 degrees Celsius, prolonged fever, vomiting, startled reactions, or trembling hands and feet. Children with the illness should stay home from school and avoid crowded places to limit the spread of the disease.

---

Doctor Bui Kim Dang,

The Head of the Infectious Diseases Department at Ca Mau Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital issued a warning.

According to statistics, from the beginning of 2026 to the present, the whole country has recorded approximately 26,000 cases, including 8 deaths. Test results show that the EV71 strain is circulating at a high rate, increasing the risk of severe illness.

The health sector advises parents to closely monitor their children's health, wash their hands frequently with soap, sanitize toys and household items; and keep children home from school immediately if they show signs of suspected illness.

In the coming period, Ca Mau province will continue to strengthen disease surveillance in the community and schools, promote disease prevention communication, prevent the spread of the disease, and contribute to protecting children's health.

Minh Khang

Source: https://baocamau.vn/siet-chat-cac-bien-phap-phong-chong-benh-tay-chan-mieng-a128067.html