Dà Nang, Vietnam, is currently grappling with a surge in cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a viral illness primarily affecting young children. The city's health authorities are sounding the alarm, urging parents to bolster preventive measures as the number of cases skyrockets. The situation is particularly dire for children under three, who account for nearly 90% of the total cases reported since the beginning of the year.
The surge in HFMD cases has been so rapid that the Women's and Children's Hospital in Dà Nang has been overwhelmed, receiving between 50 and 100 children for examination each day, with around 20 being hospitalized. Dr. Nguyên Hai Thinh, head of the Tropical Medicine Department, reveals that his department is currently treating 64 cases of HFMD syndrome. This disease typically peaks in incidence during two periods: March to May and October to December. Common symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, cough, and skin rashes.
What's more alarming is that the number of HFMD cases has more than 1.5 times the rate of the same period last year and is three to five times higher than the previous weeks. Most cases are classified as level 2A, indicating a mild to moderate condition without severe complications affecting the nervous, respiratory, or cardiovascular systems. Dr. Thinh emphasizes the importance of early detection and isolation to prevent further spread.
Dr. Nguyên Dai Vinh, director of the Dà Nang Disease Control Center (CDC Dà Nang), confirms the alarming trend, stating that the city has recorded 483 HFMD cases since the start of the year, a nearly 1.5-fold increase compared to the same period last year. The overwhelming majority of these cases involve children under three, highlighting the vulnerability of this demographic.
To combat the outbreak, the CDC Dà Nang is collaborating with relevant agencies to implement control measures, particularly in high-risk areas such as nurseries and primary schools. They are also preparing the necessary personnel, supplies, and chemicals for effective intervention. Moreover, the health department has initiated inspections in communes and wards to ensure compliance with preventive measures.
These inspections focus on surveillance, case detection, and management, as well as the availability of medical supplies and chemicals. They also assess public communication efforts, especially within educational institutions and among young children. Inspection teams have been dispatched to nurseries and early childhood care facilities to evaluate the implementation of preventive measures.
HFMD is a viral infection predominantly affecting young children, primarily spreading through direct contact between infected individuals. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, mouth sores, hand and foot rashes, and diaper area rashes. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific treatment for this disease.
In terms of prevention, the Vietnam Drug Administration has approved 13 vaccines and biological products for new registration or renewal as of March 17, including the Envacgen vaccine against HFMD, which contains an inactivated enterovirus A71 (EV71) component. Despite being registered by a Taiwanese company, the vaccine has undergone phase 3 clinical trials in Vietnam, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute. The results demonstrate a remarkable protective effect against the EV71 strain circulating in Vietnam and Taiwan, reducing the risk of infection by up to 96.8%.
As Dà Nang grapples with this public health crisis, the focus on preventive measures and early detection becomes paramount. The collaboration between health authorities, educational institutions, and the community is crucial in containing the spread of HFMD and safeguarding the health of the city's vulnerable population.
