Hand, foot and mouth disease cases rise in Dak Lak
VOV.VN - An increase in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases has been recorded among children in Dak Lak province, Vietnam’s Central Highlands, with the local health sector taking measures to curb new infections and ensure effective treatment.
Since the beginning of the year, Dak Lak has reported 602 cases in children, up 10% from the same period last year, with no fatalities. Areas with higher case numbers include wards in Buon Ma Thuot city and localities such as Krong Pak, Lien Son, Buon Don and Cu M’gar.
According to Dr. Hoang Hai Phuc, Director of the Dak Lak Centre for Disease Control, hot weather has increased the risk of outbreaks. As there is currently no vaccine for the disease, prevention relies mainly on personal hygiene, household cleanliness and environmental sanitation to limit community transmission.
The local health sector is actively implementing prevention and control measures while strengthening information campaigns to raise awareness.
“We advise that when children show symptoms, they be taken to medical facilities for examination and treatment. In schools, once a case is detected, isolation measures are required, and classrooms, desks and learning materials must be cleaned and disinfected. Isolation should also be carried out both at school and at home.”
“When a child is infected, the fever should be brought down, pain managed and topical medicine used to prevent ulcers. Severe cases must be taken to medical facilities for timely treatment,” Dr. Phuc said.