The number of hand, foot, and mouth disease patients with blisters on their hands and feet and high fever has increased nearly 18 times in three months. Public health authorities noted that considering the characteristics of hand, foot, and mouth disease, which primarily occurs from spring to autumn, it seems likely that cases will continue to occur for the time being, urging adherence to preventive measures.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported on the 27th that in the 33rd week (August 10–16), the incidence rate of hand, foot, and mouth disease (the percentage of patients among doctors) was 26.7 per 1,000 people, an increase of 17.8 times compared to the end of May (21st week, 1.5 per 1,000).
In particular, patients aged 0 to 6 years have significantly increased. The rate for those aged 0 to 6 years is 36.4 per 1,000, which is higher than the 7.1 per 1,000 for those aged 7 to 18 years.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an acute viral disease caused by enteroviruses, which spreads through direct contact with the patient's feces or secretions (saliva, phlegm, runny nose, fluid from blisters, etc.) or by touching contaminated objects (commonly used toys, equipment, etc.).
The main symptoms include vesicular rashes on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting may accompany.
Most recover naturally after 7 to 10 days, but rarely, complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis can occur, so medical attention is necessary if hand, foot, and mouth disease is suspected.
In particular, infants under 6 months old and those unable to drink enough fluids should visit a medical institution if they have severe symptoms such as fever lasting more than 2 days. Patients with hand, foot, and mouth disease should refrain from attending daycare or going out to reduce contact with others.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency emphasized that daycares and kindergartens should thoroughly disinfect toys, play equipment, doorknobs, and surrounding environments that hands touch, and adhere to personal preventive measures such as washing hands before and after meals and after using the restroom.