According to the department, the national infectious disease surveillance system recorded nearly 100,000 HFMD cases nationwide as of mid-August, more than 2.5 times the figure recorded during the same period in 2025. Around 3,000 cases have been reported each week over the past four weeks.
HFMD occurs year-round and typically sees a sharp increase in September and October. This period also coincides with the start of the new school year, when children have more frequent contact and participate in group activities. If personal and environmental hygiene measures and early detection of infected children are not properly implemented, the risk of disease transmission could increase.
To proactively prevent HFMD and protect children's health, the Department of Disease Control urged parents, caregivers, and educational institutions to strictly implement preventive measures, including eating thoroughly cooked food and drinking boiled water, and using clean water for daily activities. Children's eating and drinking utensils should be thoroughly cleaned before use. Children should not share face towels, hand towels, cups, bowls, spoons, or other personal items. Homes, classrooms, and children's play areas should also be cleaned regularly.
When children show suspected symptoms of HFMD, parents and caregivers should keep them home from school, limit close contact with other children, and closely monitor their health. Children should be taken to a medical facility immediately if they develop unusual symptoms such as high or persistent fever, frequent startle responses, trembling hands or feet, repeated vomiting, or abnormal breathing.
