Strengthening HFMD prevention

Accordingly, directors of health departments of provinces, cities are requested to direct their Centers for Disease Control (CDCs) providing professional training and guidance on the supervision and treatment of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) to the health centers at district-level.

The health sector should work closely with schools to carry out preventive measures and to ensure hygiene practices at schools, especially at kindergartens.

Schools must adopt effective preventive measures, including frequent hand washing with soap and water, and cleaning of contaminated surfaces and soiled items like toys with soap and water, and a diluted solution of chlorine-containing bleach to disinfect them.

Health departments in provinces and cities should try to detect cases early in schools and immediately notify local authorities for early check-ups and treatment.

It is important that mobile emergency teams be ready to investigate, verify and handle the outbreak and support lower levels in controlling the outbreak, and offer emergency care and treatment. It is also necessary to prevent cross-contamination in hospitals and treatment facilities.

As reported by the General Department of Preventive Medicine, since the beginning of the year, the whole country has recorded 10,745 cases of HFMD in 63 provinces and cities, of which 6,662 cases being hospitalized. There were no deaths. As for Quang Ngai, since the beginning of the year, the province has recorded nearly 300 cases of HFMD. The number of cases nationwide decreased by more than 55 per cent, while the number of hospitalized cases decreased by more than 51 per cent as compared to the same period last year. However, the number of cases surged in recent weeks.

HFMD is a common infection caused by a group of viruses. Infants and children under five years old are more likely to catch it. But, anyone can also get it.

The disease may cause fever, sore throat, feeling of being unwell, loss of appetite, or painful, red, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks.

The incubation period of HFMD is generally between three to seven days. Initial symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, fatigue and sore throat. Sores will form in the mouth, and/or on the hands, feet, knees, elbows, buttocks, and sometimes the genitals. Sores may look like small spots, bumps or blisters. Sores in the mouth can make eating and swallowing quite painful and consequently your child may refuse to eat and drink. First flat red or scaly patches will appear on the skin, which then develop into non-itchy blisters and will remain for about seven days.

Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment against HFMD. It was necessary to bring a child to the nearest medical facility for check-ups and treatment if they had symptoms for more than two days or have fever above 39 degree Celsius with vomiting and difficulty sleeping.

To reduce the risk of catching the virus, both children and adults should wash their hands often with soap and water many times throughout the day, and disinfect touched surfaces such as toys and doorknobs.

Hoang Le