Vietnam: Early 2026 surge in hand, foot and mouth disease

In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam experienced a marked resurgence of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), with reported cases exceeding 25,000 and a concurrent increase in severe outcomes, including four deaths. This represents more than a fivefold increase compared with the same period in 2025 and suggests substantial expansion of community transmission, particularly among young children in southern provinces. According to the national infectious disease surveillance system, 25,094 HFMD cases and four associated fatalities were recorded in the first three months of 2026, compared with approximately 4,900 cases during the corresponding period in 2025. The southern region accounted for 18,031 cases (71.9% of the national total), highlighting pronounced geographic clustering and the need for targeted public health interventions. The disease burden remains overwhelmingly concentrated in pediatric populations. Children under 10 years of age accounted for 99.3% of reported cases, with the highest incidence in those aged 1–5 years (92.7%), corresponding...