Ho Chi Minh City has recorded over 44,000 hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases and five deaths so far this year, a rise of 65 % compared with last year. The sharp increase is especially worrying for families with young children who attend kindergartens or childcare centres.

According to the municipal Department of Health, more than 1,600 HFMD outbreaks have been identified, many of them in kindergartens and childcare facilities. The spread of Enterovirus 71, a strain linked to severe complications, adds further concern for parents.

The city has launched a prevention campaign that will run until the end of 2026, coordinating local authorities, healthcare facilities and schools to curb transmission. Deputy Director of the Department of Health Huynh Minh Chin said the campaign aims to strengthen disease surveillance and early detection.

The Ho Chi Minh City Centre for Disease Control has instructed all kindergartens, childcare groups and paediatric vaccination facilities to carry out daily cleaning and at least one weekly disinfection, increasing the frequency when an outbreak is detected. Schools and childcare centres must also monitor children’s health each day and report suspected cases promptly.

Parents are urged to keep children with suspected or confirmed infections at home. They should also practice regular hand‑washing and ensure toys and surfaces are cleaned regularly.

By following the cleaning rules, hand‑hygiene advice and staying home when illness appears, families can help reduce the spread of HFMD. The city’s extended campaign gives a clear framework for protecting children until 2026.