Suspected hand, foot, and mouth disease cases in South Korea more than double in a month

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in South Korea have surged, with suspected patients more than doubling in the last month. Data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KCDC) shows the suspected patient rate rose to 19.4 per 1,000 outpatients in the 27th week of the year, a significant jump from 8.9 in the 24th week.

The disease primarily affects children under five, causing symptoms like mouth sores, blisters on hands and feet, and fever. While most cases resolve naturally within a week, severe complications such as meningitis and encephalitis can occur. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms with fever reducers and pain relievers, as no specific cure exists.

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The best prevention is proper handwashing.

HFMD typically peaks during summer and autumn, and health officials anticipate continued increases in cases. The KCDC stressed that diligent handwashing is the most crucial preventive measure, as the virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated objects. They also advised individuals with suspected HFMD symptoms to refrain from attending daycare centers, kindergartens, and other public facilities like kids' cafes and swimming pools.

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If you have suspected HFMD symptoms, stop attending daycare centers and kindergartens and refrain from using multi-use facilities such as kids' cafes and swimming pools.