HFM disease claims for lives across southern Vietnam

Based on the latest laboratory results, a significant proportion of the samples tested positive for Enterovirus 71 (EV-71), which causes HFMD. EV-71 is believed to generally cause severe complications and deaths among infected patients.

Currently, there are 147 HFMD child sufferers who are receiving treatment at pediatric hospitals in the southern region, of which 14 cases are in serious condition and one case requires blood dialysis.

To minimise infections and fatalities, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has developed prevention and control scenarios, and asked localities to evaluate human resources, medical equipment and supplies as well as drugs at all medical stations to ensure they are ready to receive and treat patients.

They are responsible for monitoring patients at hospitals, especially during holidays and weekends in order to detect and promptly treat patients when they get worse.

Moreover, three hospitals specialising in pediatrics and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City will provide professional support for lower-tiered medical facilities to prevent unsafe transfers.

Symptoms of HFMD usually include fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. The rash is commonly found on the hands and feet, mainly in the form of blisters, as well as on the palms, soles, knees, and buttocks.

Most of the cases are mild, although some cases can be severe, causing dangerous complications such as encephalitis - meningoencephalitis, myocarditis, and acute pulmonary edema which may lead to death.