Hand, foot, and mouth disease surges among infants in South Korea; hygiene urged

South Korea is experiencing a sharp increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) among young children, with the number of reported cases doubling in just one week. Health authorities are now emphasizing the importance of preventative measures, particularly for households with infants and toddlers and for childcare facilities.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported that the rate of suspected HFMD cases among outpatients aged 0-18 reached 4.3 per 1,000 people in the 22nd week of May (May 24-30). Notably, for children aged 0-6, this rate surged to 5.9 per 1,000, nearly double the previous week's figure of 2.9.

This upward trend has been consistent over the past three weeks, rising from 1.7 cases per 1,000 in the 20th week to 2.3 in the 21st week, and now 4.3 in the 22nd week. Given that HFMD typically begins to increase in May and peaks between June and September, health officials anticipate the number of cases will continue to rise.

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Hand, foot, and mouth disease is expected to continue to increase for the time being, considering its characteristics of starting to increase in May each year and peaking between June and September.

HFMD is an acute viral illness caused by enteroviruses, primarily affecting children under six years old. Its characteristic symptoms include blisters and ulcers in the mouth, and a rash of blisters on the hands and feet. Transmission occurs through direct contact with an infected person's saliva, nasal mucus, sputum, blister fluid, or feces, or by touching contaminated objects. While most children recover within 7-10 days with supportive care, there is a small risk of developing severe complications such as meningitis.

Currently, there is no commercially available vaccine for HFMD. Prevention relies heavily on hygiene practices. The KDCA strongly advises thorough handwashing with soap for at least 30 seconds after returning from outings and before and after meals. In settings like daycare centers and kindergartens, regular disinfection of frequently touched items such as toys, playground equipment, and doorknobs is crucial. Lim Seung-kwan, head of the KDCA, urged childcare facilities and schools to maintain strict hygiene standards and ensure children only return after they have fully recovered.

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Thoroughly practice hygiene management, such as proper handwashing and disinfection of items, for the prevention of hand, foot, and mouth disease in childcare facilities and schools, and guide infants and students infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease to attend school after they have fully recovered.