HCMC – Cases of infectious diseases such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, dengue fever, and measles have shot up in HCMC, according to the city’s Center for Disease Control.
From September 16 to 22, the city recorded 371 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, a 26.7% rise over the average of the previous four weeks.
Since January, over 11,800 cases have been reported, with Binh Chanh, Nha Be, and District 8 experiencing high incidences.
Primarily affecting young children, this disease spreads through the digestive tract, and there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment. Health officials recommend regular handwashing and maintaining cleanliness to curb its spread.
Dengue fever also saw 328 new cases last week, an 8.3% increase compared to the previous four weeks. The city has confirmed nearly 7,340 cases this year, with District 1, Thu Duc City, and District 7 being the hardest hit. All four types of dengue virus are currently found in the region.
Additionally, measles cases climbed by 13.6% last week, with 96 new cases, bringing the total for 2024 to 743. Areas with rising measles cases include Binh Chanh, Binh Tan, and Hoc Mon districts. Health authorities are urging parents to ensure their children receive two doses of the measles vaccine for adequate immunity.
Local health officials are closely monitoring the situation as these diseases continue to present public health challenges across the city.
