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The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71). As of mid-October 2011, 80,000 cases of HFMD and 137 deaths have been recorded.
The worst affected area is the south of the country, but cases have been reported from all regions. Cities and provinces with the highest HFMD number of deaths are Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Long An, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Bac Lieu, Dong Tap, Tien Giang, and Quang Ngai.
Advice for Travellers
HFMD is a common viral illness which spreads rapidly among children in particular; outbreaks most often occur in children's nurseries and daycare centres. Transmission is via direct contact with nose and throat secretions and faeces if an infected individual and by aerosol droplet spread. Contact with infected children should be limited and crowded situations avoided; personal hygiene and handwashing is paramount in reducing transmission.
