Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) activity in Hong Kong has continued to rise, prompting the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) to issue another advisory to doctors and schools on Friday, urging close monitoring of symptoms among children.
According to the CHP’s latest surveillance data, 16 outbreak cases involving 40 people were recorded in the first five days of this week alone. The center said HFMD outbreaks in institutions and schools have been climbing steadily in recent weeks.
From October 26 to November 1, 17 outbreaks affecting 50 people were reported. That number rose to 20 outbreaks (53 people) the following week, and then to 25 outbreaks (61 people) in the most recent week.
Of the 78 institutional outbreaks recorded between October 26 and Thursday, 82 percent occurred in child care centers, kindergartens, and primary schools. Public hospital accident and emergency departments also noted a marked increase in HFMD-related consultations last week.
CHP Controller Edwin Tsui Lok-kin urged parents to remain vigilant. He said that while most HFMD cases are mild, the city has recorded three severe pediatric enterovirus infections so far this year, all requiring hospitalization.
“With HFMD activity remaining at a high level, parents should pay close attention to the health conditions of young children,” he said, adding that the recent severe cases underscore the need for continued caution.
The CHP reminded schools and institutions to reinforce hygiene measures and encouraged parents to seek medical attention promptly if children develop symptoms such as fever, oral ulcers, or rashes on the hands and feet.
