The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 21) issued another letter to doctors and schools, updating them on the latest situation regarding hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and reminding them to watch for related symptoms among schoolchildren as the local activity of HFMD has increased in recent days. Schools should report any HFMD outbreak to the CHP immediately. 
      
     The CHP's latest surveillance data showed that the number of HFMD outbreaks in institutions/schools recorded has gradually increased, from 17 outbreaks affecting 50 persons in the week between October 26 and November 1, to 20 outbreaks (affecting 53 persons) and 25 outbreaks (affecting 61 persons) per week in the recent two weeks (i.e. November 2 to 8 and November 9 to 15 respectively). During the first five days of this week (November 16 to 20), 16 outbreaks affecting 40 persons have been reported. Among the 78 HFMD outbreaks recorded from October 26 to November 20, 82 per cent (64 outbreaks) occurred in child care centres/kindergartens (CCC/KG) and primary schools.
      
     Additionally, the CHP's sentinel surveillance based at CCC/KG and private medical practitioner clinics revealed that the HFMD consultation rates have remained high since late October of this year. There was also an upsurge in consultation rates for HFMD in the Accident and Emergency Departments of public hospitals last week. 

     "HFMD is a common disease in children caused by enteroviruses (EVs) such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. HFMD occurs year-round in Hong Kong, with peak seasons generally occurring from May to July and from October to December. Given that the activity of HFMD remains at a high level, parents should stay alert to the health conditions of their young children. While most HFMD patients have mild symptoms, three cases of severe paediatric enterovirus infection have been recorded so far this year, requiring hospitalisation. While all patients have recovered and been discharged, I hope that the public will not take this disease lightly," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
 
     "Schools and institutions have a higher chance of encountering outbreaks as HFMD can spread more easily among young children who have closer contact with each other. Schools are reminded to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases on preventive and control measures as well as management of outbreaks, which should be reported to the CHP for prompt follow-up. Management of venues with play facilities should also refer to the CHP's Public Health Advice for Play Facilities on appropriate infection control in activities involving young children under 6 during the peak season of HFMD," he added.
      
     HFMD patients usually experience fever, poor appetite, tiredness and sore throat in the early stages of the illness. One to two days after the onset of fever, painful sores may develop in the mouth and often become ulcers. Most patients recover on their own within seven to 10 days.
            
      Dr Tsui stressed that alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses causing HFMD, for example, EV71. Therefore, alcohol-based handrubs should not be a substitute for washing hands with liquid soap and water.
      
     To prevent HFMD, members of the public (especially those in the management of schools and institutions) should take heed of the following preventive measures:
 

• Maintain good air circulation;
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Wash hands before meals, after going to the toilet, when they are soiled by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing, or after handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as furniture, toys and commonly shared items with 1:99 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 99 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse with water and keep dry;
• Use absorbent disposable towels to wipe away obvious contaminants such as respiratory secretions, vomitus or excreta, and then disinfect the surface and neighbouring areas with 1:49 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 49 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse with water and keep dry;
• Avoid going to overcrowded places;
• Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rashes have subsided and all vesicles have dried and crusted; and
• Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of sick children.

     The CHP's weekly publication, EV SCAN, is issued every Friday to report the latest local situation of HFMD. Members of the public may also visit the CHP's page for more information on HFMD and EV71 infection.

Ends/Friday, November 21, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:00

NNNN