The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has announced that the number of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases is on the rise and has urged households with infants and young children, as well as related facilities, to strictly follow hygiene guidelines.

This week's HFMD incidence rate (number of suspected cases per 1,000 people) was 5.8 (as of June 21, based on data from June 15 to June 21), showing an upward trend. Notably, the incidence rate was higher among children aged 0–6 years (8.3 per 1,000) than among those aged 7–18 years (1.9 per 1,000). Considering that HFMD typically begins to increase in May and peaks between June and September, it is expected that the number of cases will continue to rise in the coming weeks.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an acute viral illness caused by enteroviruses. It spreads through direct contact with a patient's feces or secretions (saliva, phlegm, nasal discharge, fluid from blisters, etc.) or by touching objects contaminated with these substances. Major symptoms include blister-like rashes on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting).

To prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease, thorough hygiene management is essential, including washing hands after going out, before and after meals, after changing diapers, and after caring for patients, and washing clothing contaminated with feces thoroughly.

Additionally, if a case occurs, important precautions for households and childcare facilities include: symptoms typically improve after 3–4 days at home and most cases resolve within 7–10 days, but rare complications such as meningitis or encephalitis may occur. Therefore, if symptoms suggest HFMD, seek medical attention promptly. Furthermore, avoid using public facilities, and wash and disinfect any items associated with the patient.

Childcare centers and kindergartens should thoroughly disinfect toys, play equipment, door handles, and other items that come into contact with hands. They should also guide infants and young children to follow personal preventive measures such as washing hands before and after meals and after using the restroom. Infants and young children with hand, foot, and mouth disease should refrain from attending childcare centers or similar facilities until they have recovered, as the disease is highly contagious during the symptomatic period.

Ji Young-mi, Director of the Disease Control Agency, emphasized the importance of adhering to preventive measures such as proper handwashing to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease. She urged childcare facilities to strictly enforce hygiene management, including handwashing and disinfection of items, and to ensure that infants and toddlers with the disease return to childcare facilities only after they have fully recovered.

[News Source: Disease Control Agency]