Significant Decline in Severe Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease Cases, Says Expert

According to Wang Huaqing, a leading expert in immunization planning at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a remarkable reduction in the incidence of severe hand-foot-and-mouth disease cases in recent years. Specifically, the rate of serious infections in 2024 is down 97% from the levels observed on average from 2009 to 2019.

This infectious disease primarily affects young children, especially those between six months and five years of age, and is characterized by fever, rashes, and painful sores on various parts of the body including the hands, feet, mouth, limbs, and buttocks. Although the disease has been widespread, it typically reaches its peak between May and July, with an additional smaller peak likely occurring from October to November.

Wang highlighted that infants aged one and two are particularly at risk. To mitigate the transmission of the virus, which spreads through close contact, respiratory droplets, and the feces of infected individuals, he recommended practicing good hand hygiene, ensuring proper ventilation indoors, limiting gatherings of children during peak times, and emphasizing the need for timely vaccinations.