Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Surges Among Children Under 6... Cases Double in a Week

KDCA Warns of Peak HFMD Season from June to September
Urges Strict Hygiene at Home and Childcare Centers
Children with Blisters on Hands, Feet, or in the Mouth Should Stay Home and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

As the number of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases is rapidly increasing, especially among children under the age of six, health authorities have urged families and childcare facilities to maintain strict hygiene practices. Given that HFMD typically begins to spread in May and prevails between June and September each year, the number of cases is expected to continue rising for some time.

According to HFMD sentinel surveillance data released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on June 5, the rate of suspected HFMD cases for week 22 of this year stood at 4.3 per 1,000 outpatient visits. This figure marks a continued increase for three consecutive weeks, following 1.7 in week 20 and 2.3 in week 21.

The surge is especially steep among infants and young children. For children aged 0 to 6, the rate of suspected cases rose sharply to 5.9 per 1,000 outpatients, nearly doubling compared to the previous week's 2.9.

HFMD is an acute viral illness caused by infection with enteroviruses. The disease is transmitted through direct contact with secretions such as saliva, sputum, nasal discharge, and the fluid from blisters, or through feces, as well as by touching contaminated items. Symptoms include vesicular rashes on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, along with fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Most patients recover naturally within 7 to 10 days after infection. However, early response is crucial, as in rare cases, the illness can lead to serious complications such as meningitis or encephalitis.

To prevent and contain the spread of HFMD, the KDCA emphasized that children showing suspicious symptoms such as blisters on their hands, feet, or inside the mouth should see a doctor immediately. Families are also advised to refrain from visiting multi-use facilities such as daycare centers and community centers. Items used by patients, including bedding, clothing, and toys, should be laundered separately and disinfected.

At daycare centers, kindergartens, and schools, the surfaces of commonly used items such as door handles, toys, and playground equipment should be thoroughly disinfected. In addition, children should be taught and encouraged to wash their hands properly before and after meals and after using the restroom.

Im Seungkwan, Commissioner of the KDCA, stated, "HFMD is highly contagious while symptoms are present. Childcare facilities and schools must focus on thorough disinfection and hygiene management. Please ensure that infants and students diagnosed with HFMD only return to facilities after they have fully recovered, in order to prevent further transmission."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.