During the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam recorded a sharp spike in hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) with over 25,000 cases, including 4 fatalities. Southern provinces are currently the epicenter, accounting for more than 70% of the national caseload. Laboratory results from major pediatric hospitals confirm the prevalence of the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) strain, a highly virulent pathogen known for causing severe neurological complications and rapid clinical deterioration.
In response, the Ministry of Health has issued urgent directives to healthcare facilities nationwide:
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Operational Readiness: Hospitals are required to update admission and isolation plans, ensuring sufficient stocks of specialized medications and intensive care equipment in accordance with the latest clinical guidelines.
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Enhanced Diagnostic Capacity: Training sessions are being organized for medical staff, particularly at the primary care level, to improve early detection of warning signs and ensure timely intervention or referral.
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Infection Control: Strict adherence to disinfection and medical waste disposal protocols is mandated to prevent cross-infection and internal outbreaks within healthcare settings.
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Public Awareness: Communication efforts are being ramped up to educate caregivers on transmission routes and prevention methods, specifically targeting the 1–5 age group, which represents nearly 93% of infections.
The Ministry emphasizes the need for seamless coordination between clinical treatment and preventive medicine units to monitor epidemiological trends and minimize mortality as hospital admission rates continue to climb.