How to Protect Your Kids from Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), characterized by blisters and ulcers in the mouth and vesicular rashes on the hands and feet, is spreading explosively among infants and young children.

In severe cases, the disease can lead to severe complications such as brainstem encephalitis and myocarditis, which can result in death. Currently, no preventive vaccine is available, so it is crucial to adhere to personal hygiene practices and take special care to avoid contact with others, such as attending daycare, if infected.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), recent sample surveillance results for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have shown a significant increase in cases. On Monday, the KDCA reported that during the 29th week of the year (July 14-20), the number of suspected cases per 1,000 outpatient visits—a measure known as the physician visit rate—reached 56.8. This represents a fourfold increase from the 14 cases recorded in week 21. The trend shows a steady rise, with cases climbing to 41.8 in week 25, 44.1 in week 27, 47.4 in week 28, and ultimately 56.8 in week 29.

By age group, the spread is particularly explosive among infants and young children aged 0-6 years.

In week 21, the rate for this age group was 20.2 cases, which surged to 59.5 cases by week 25, then slightly declined to 58.1 cases in week 26, and continued to rise to 61.5 in week 27, 66.2 in week 28, and 78.5 in week 29.

“The majority of HFMD cases occur in individuals under 18 years old, and we are currently seeing the highest number of cases among those aged 0 to 6 in the last decade,” stated a KDCA official.

“The number of patients has increased compared to 2019, when it reached the highest level in the past.”

In fact, during week 29 in 2019, the number of cases among infants was 77.6, lower than this year’s 78.5.

The KDCA official explained, “The limited spread of HFMD during the COVID-19 pandemic over the past 3 to 4 years has led to a decrease in community herd immunity. As a result, the disease is now spreading primarily among infants and toddlers with weaker immune systems and poorer personal hygiene.”

The rate of suspected HFMD cases by age group for 2024. Provided by the KDCA

HFMD (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease) typically peaks during the warmer months of June and July. However, this year, the number of cases has surged in South Korea and countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore.

Coxsackieviruses and enterovirus 71 primarily cause HFMD. Currently, no vaccine is available to prevent the disease, and individuals who have previously contracted HFMD can become infected again. Vigilance is crucial due to these factors.

The virus is commonly transmitted through fecal-oral routes, respiratory droplets, or direct contact with the blisters on an infected person’s skin. It can also spread by touching objects contaminated by an infected person, making the disease particularly prevalent among infants and toddlers who are in communal settings and may not have fully developed hygiene habits.

Symptoms of HFMD include fever, loss of appetite, sore throat, and fatigue, typically lasting 2-3 days before improvement. However, infections caused by enterovirus 71 can lead to severe complications such as brainstem encephalitis, neurogenic pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhage, myocarditis, and pericarditis, which can be fatal in extreme cases.

A KDCA official emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms like a high fever above 100.4°F (38°C), limb weakness, vomiting, or seizures occur.

Due to the absence of a vaccine, prevention focuses on maintaining good personal hygiene and managing contact with infected individuals. To prevent HFMD transmission:

– Families with infected members should wash hands thoroughly, especially after changing diapers or tending to the sick.

– Contaminated clothing should be cleaned properly.

– Separate household items should be used to minimize transmission within the family.

– Daycares and kindergartens must rigorously disinfect toys, playground equipment, and doorknobs.

– Children should be encouraged to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating and using the restroom.

Since children with HFMD are highly contagious, it is recommended to keep them at home until they have fully recovered to prevent the spread of the disease.