HK sees 78 hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks in a month as schools hit hard

Hong Kong has recorded 78 institutional outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) over the past four weeks, with more than 80 percent occurring in kindergartens and primary schools, health authorities said.

Joseph Tsang Kay-yan, a specialist in infectious disease, said HFMD typically has two peak seasons each year, usually triggered by shifts in weather. Each wave generally lasts eight to ten weeks, and the current surge is expected to ease by mid-December.

HFMD is commonly caused by highly infectious enteroviruses, and patients may be infected multiple times within a short period. Tsang noted that persistent fever, neck stiffness, and vomiting could signal that the virus is affecting the central nervous system, requiring immediate hospitalization.

He added that while children under five have weaker innate immunity and are at higher risk, adults are not immune to infection.

Tsang advised that high-risk venues — including schools, care homes, and other settings with frequent close contact — should step up disinfection, maintain good ventilation, and ensure regular temperature checks for students.