Sharp Increase in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cases Among Infants and Toddlers in Gyeonggi Province Since May

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Young-gyu] The number of infants and young children with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Gyeonggi Province has surged since May.

According to infectious disease surveillance data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's Integrated Disease and Health Management System on the 31st, the proportion of suspected HFMD cases among outpatients per 1,000 patients in Gyeonggi Province during the 30th week of this year (July 17?23) was 30.3%, more than 10 times higher than 3.0% in the 30th week of 2020 and 2.3% in the 30th week of 2021. In particular, incidence was high among children under six years old, with a 95% increase in those aged 0 and 167.7% in those aged 1 to 6.

HFMD is transmitted to others through secretions (saliva, sputum, nasal mucus, fluid from blisters) or feces of infected individuals, and transmission can occur even after symptoms disappear.

Symptoms are usually mild and typically resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days, but complications can rarely occur.

In young infants whose immune systems are not yet developed, it can be life-threatening, causing aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, shock, and rapid death.

Since there is no preventive vaccine for HFMD, personal hygiene is the best method to prevent transmission.

It is important to practice proper handwashing regularly and observe cough etiquette to prevent spreading the virus to others when coughing.

Additionally, toys, playground equipment, and utensils used by children should be thoroughly disinfected, and daycare centers and kindergartens should suspend attendance and send children home if HFMD is suspected.

Park Geon-hee, head of the Infectious Disease Control Support Group in the province, stated, "Due to COVID-19 prevention measures such as social distancing, reduced outdoor activities, and increased personal hygiene practices, HFMD cases had decreased, but since the lifting of social distancing, HFMD cases have surged rapidly since May." He urged, "It is necessary to strictly follow infection prevention rules and maintain hygiene not only at home but also at vacation spots and childcare facilities such as daycare centers."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.