HCM City records first three HFMD deaths of 2026 as cases surge
VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City has seen a sharp increase in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases, with the highly virulent Enterovirus 71 (EV71) strain detected and three deaths reported since early 2026, the municipal Department of Health reported on March 25.
Data from the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) indicated that as of week 11 of 2026, the city recorded 7,294 cases, more than triple the figure a year earlier. Among these were 98 severe cases.
In week 11 alone, 837 cases were reported, nearly doubling the recent weekly average. Since the beginning of the year, the city has identified 288 outbreaks, including 162 in schools and 126 in the community.
Surveillance results show that the EV71 strain accounts for 25% (6 out of 24 samples). This strain spreads quickly, can cause severe complications and carries a risk of death, particularly in children under five.
In response, the city’s health authority has issued a directive to strengthen prevention and control measures across the city to contain transmission and minimise fatalities linked to the EV71 strain. The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) is working with local health stations to take prevention measures, particularly in kindergartens, childcare groups and social protection facilities.
Local health stations are tasked with closely monitoring developments, advising local authorities and directly organising investigations and handling of cases and outbreaks in line with regulations.
The Department of Health has asked the Department of Education and Training to instruct educational institutions to ensure adequate handwashing facilities with clean water and soap, while stepping up communication to help parents recognise symptoms early and take children for timely medical care. Schools must immediately notify local health authorities upon detecting cases to ensure prompt response and limit further spread.
It has also assigned Children’s Hospital 1, Children’s Hospital 2 and the Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Hospital to provide training on diagnosis, treatment and infection prevention for healthcare facilities across the city.
Vietnam ensures sufficient supply of HFMD medications
VOV.VN - Vietnam now has enough medication for treatment of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), says Le Viet Dung, deputy director of the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV).
