Nhan Dan – The development of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Vietnam is complicated and it is now spreading to the north, according to an announcement by the National Steering Committee for HFMD Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Health at a meeting on February 20.
During the first six weeks of 2012, 60 provinces and cities across the country have recorded 6,328 cases of HFMD, 7.1 times higher than the same period last year. Nine deaths from the disease have also been reported.
The Steering Committee has asked localities to implement syncronous measures to prevent the spread of HFMD.
Local authorities must strengthen inspections and supervision, and establish working groups to examine the HFMD situation in key provinces and cities.
Provincial health clinics also need to provide information on preventive measures to the community, especially mothers and families with children under five, kindergarten teachers, and Government leaders at all levels.