Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Causing Vesicular Rash... Infant and Toddler Patients Triple in One Month

The number of hand, foot, and mouth disease patients, which causes vesicular rashes in the mouth and on the hands and feet, has more than tripled in a month, mainly among infants and young children.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 19th, based on hand, foot, and mouth disease sentinel surveillance from 109 medical institutions nationwide, the proportion of suspected hand, foot, and mouth disease cases per 1,000 outpatients in the 19th week of this year (May 7?13) was 9.9, a more than threefold increase compared to 2.9 in the 15th week (April 9?15) one month earlier. For infants and young children aged 0?6 years, the rate jumped from 4 to 13.8 during the same period.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is mainly caused by Coxsackievirus A16, with feces known as the primary source of infection. Therefore, infants and young children with weak bowel control are vulnerable. A KDCA official said, “There was a seasonal outbreak last year, three years after the COVID-19 pandemic began,” adding, “This year, an increase in cases has been confirmed at a similar time as in previous years, so an outbreak similar to the pre-COVID-19 period is expected.”

In most cases, the disease naturally recovers 7 to 10 days after symptom onset, but rare complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, myocarditis, and paralysis may occur. If symptoms such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting appear in addition to the rash, prompt medical attention should be sought. The KDCA urged that infants under six months, those unable to consume sufficient fluids, or those with severe symptoms such as fever must visit a medical institution without delay.

Since there is no vaccine or treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease, prevention is crucial. If hand, foot, and mouth disease is suspected, avoid contact with others and refrain from using multi-use facilities such as daycare centers and kids’ cafes. Use separate cups and utensils, and maintain separation of living spaces. In daycare centers and kindergartens, disinfect toys, door handles, and other frequently touched objects. Caregivers should thoroughly wash their hands with soap after changing diapers or touching items contaminated with feces.

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