Critical Alert: Over 80,700 Cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease and 21 Fatalities - Crucial Signs

September 20, 2023 8:29 AM | Hot medical news

SKDS - To date, the country has recorded more than 80,700 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, and 21 deaths. Compared to the same period in 2022, both the number of cases and deaths will increase. It's the start of the new school year and there's a high risk of spreading hand, foot and mouth disease if you don't practice good personal hygiene…

With the failure to adhere to personal hygiene measures in week 36/2023, the country faces a substantial risk of spreading hand, foot, and mouth disease. Disturbingly, there were 4,324 reported cases of this ailment with a death toll of one in Dak Lak. This marks a concerning 19.4% increase compared to the previous week's statistics of 3,621 cases with no fatalities.

Alarming figures continue to accumulate since the beginning of the year, reaching a total of 80,747 cases nationwide, with 21 deaths. Comparatively, this represents a staggering 68.6% surge in cases and an additional 18 deaths compared to the same period in 2022, which saw 47,896 cases and three fatalities.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Ministry of Health has recently issued multiple directives urging localities to intensify disease prevention measures, particularly for hand, foot, and mouth disease. These precautions assume greater importance as the new school year commences and children return to their educational institutions.

As it stands, the country has recorded over 80,700 cases and 21 deaths due to hand, foot, and mouth disease. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of this severe illness to ensure prompt treatment and prevent further complications.

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"Rising Concerns over Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreak in the Country"

In recent news, the country has been grappling with a surge in hand, foot, and mouth disease cases, surpassing a staggering 80,700 reported cases and 21 fatalities. Shockingly, experts predict that both the number of cases and deaths will continue to rise compared to the same period in 2022. Highlighting these concerns, Prof. Dr. Phan Trong Lan, the Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health, recently shared valuable insights with Health & Life newspaper.

To proactively address the current epidemic and its projected trajectory, the Ministry of Health wasted no time, issuing a comprehensive epidemic prevention plan at the beginning of 2023. This plan was sent to all provinces and cities across the nation, urging them to develop their localized epidemic prevention strategies encompassing appropriate guidance, administration, and communication efforts.

One alarming trend that has emerged since the start of 2023 is a significant increase in positive cases attributed to the EV71 strain of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Experts warn that while the disease can affect individuals of all ages, a staggering 90% of cases occur in children below the age of 3. Furthermore, the EV71 strain is notorious for causing severe illness with a higher likelihood of complications and even death.

Director Phan Trong Lan emphasizes the crucial role of collective efforts in combating this epidemic. Apart from the health sector's obligations, it is imperative for all levels of society, including various organizations, businesses, and most importantly, every family and individual, to actively participate in prevention measures. For instance, in combating dengue fever, it is advised that each family dedicates 10 minutes each week to inspect and eradicate mosquito breeding grounds, thereby minimizing the chances of an outbreak.

With the commencement of the new school year, authorities express deep concerns over the potential spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease, especially in educational settings such as preschools and family kindergartens. To mitigate this risk, experts urge these institutions to strictly adhere to good personal and environmental hygiene practices. Recommendations include meticulous management of children's toys, ensuring cleanliness of children's utensils during meals, and maintaining proper hand hygiene for both children and caregivers.

In essence, the battle against hand, foot, and mouth disease demands a united front. Individual awareness, responsible practices, and collective efforts hold the key to curbing the current outbreak and preventing its further escalation. By adhering to robust prevention and hygiene measures, we can safeguard our communities, children, and ourselves from the devastating impact of this disease.

Warning signs of worsening hand, foot and mouth disease you need to know

According to Dr. Do Thi Thuy Nga, Deputy Head of the Department of General Internal Medicine at the Center for Tropical Diseases in the National Children's Hospital, there are two common complications associated with hand, foot and mouth disease: neurological complications and respiratory, circulatory failure. However, this year, the department has seen an increase in the number of children with neurological complications, with encephalitis being the most typical. When admitted to the hospital, pediatric patients are usually alert but may exhibit signs of startle, particularly at the beginning and end of sleep. Additionally, symptoms such as limb shaking and staggering walking may also be present.

Hand, foot and mouth disease typically begins with symptoms of fever, loss of appetite, irritability, and sore throat. Within 1 to 2 days after the onset of fever, painful sores develop in the mouth. These sores initially appear as red blisters and often progress into ulcers, predominantly found on the tongue, gums, and inside the cheeks. A non-itchy rash, consisting of flat or raised red lesions and occasionally accompanied by blisters, usually appears within 1 to 2 days. The rash is commonly concentrated on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, but can also emerge on the buttocks and/or genitalia. It is important to note that pediatric patients may display atypical symptoms or only present with a rash or mouth ulcers.

This year alone, there have been more than 80,700 reported cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, resulting in 21 deaths. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the signs of serious illness associated with this disease.

Parents should be aware of warning signs indicating severe hand and foot disease in children. These signs include:

1. Failure to respond to treatment: If a child has a fever above 38.5°C that lasts for more than 48 hours and does not improve with the use of fever-reducing medications, it could be a cause for concern.

2. Neurotoxicity: Parents should observe if their child is becoming more easily startled as it could be a sign of neurotoxicity. An increase in the frequency of these episodes over time should be noted.

3. Persistent crying: Children with severe hand and foot disease may cry excessively, even throughout the night without being able to sleep properly. They may only sleep for short periods of about 15-20 minutes before waking up again.

4. Other symptoms: Difficulty in breathing, excessive vomiting (including dry vomiting), weakness in limbs, and unsteady walking are other signs that should not be ignored.

Experts have stated that hand, foot, and mouth disease can lead to dangerous complications, which can rapidly develop within a few hours. Therefore, when treating children at home, parents should not only follow the doctor's instructions and care for the child but also closely monitor the progression of the disease. If there are any concerning signs, parents should promptly bring the child to a medical facility to avoid any unfortunate consequences.

Source: suckhoedoisong.vn