Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cases Surge Among Infants and Toddlers, Up 70% in One Week

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), which causes blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, is spreading rapidly, particularly among infants and toddlers.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the rate of patients showing suspected symptoms of HFMD at 109 sentinel surveillance medical institutions nationwide was 7.2 per 1,000 people during the 23rd week of this year (May 31 – June 6).

Considering that the rate was 4.2 per 1,000 people in the 22nd week, this represents a sharp increase of 71.4% in just one week.

The number of suspected HFMD cases has been on a steady rise for the past month, following a rate of 1.1 per 1,000 people recorded in the 19th week of early May.

Looking at the number of suspected patients by age, the infant and toddler group is overwhelmingly affected; for children aged 0 to 6, the rate surged from 1.6 per 1,000 people in the 19th week to 10.0 in the 23rd week.

HFMD is a disease caused by an enterovirus infection and can be transmitted through direct contact with a patient's feces, saliva, or nasal discharge, or by touching contaminated objects.

Symptoms include vesicular rashes on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, as well as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.

While symptoms typically improve after 3 to 4 days and most patients recover within 7 to 10 days, medical attention is advised as complications such as meningitis or encephalitis can rarely occur.

The KDCA expects the number of patients to continue to rise for the time being, considering that HFMD, which mainly affects infants and toddlers, typically begins in May and peaks between June and September each year.

To prevent the spread of HFMD, it is essential to wash hands after going out, before and after meals, before and after changing diapers, and after caring for a patient. Clothing contaminated with the patient's excrement must also be washed.

Since infants and toddlers with HFMD are highly contagious while symptomatic, they should refrain from attending daycare centers or kindergartens until they have recovered. Daycare centers and kindergartens are advised to thoroughly disinfect toys, playground equipment, and other surfaces frequently touched by children.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.