The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 29) reminded the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene, given the significant recent increase in local hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) activity. The CHP will issue letters to doctors and schools today, updating them on the latest situation regarding HFMD. Schools and institutions should report any outbreak to the CHP immediately.
 
     The CHP's latest surveillance data showed a gradual increase in the number of recorded HFMD outbreaks in institutions and schools, from five (affecting 42 persons) per week in early May (May 3 to 9), to 12 outbreaks (affecting 44 persons) and 11 outbreaks (affecting 46 persons) per week in the past two weeks (i.e. May 10 to 16 and May 17 to 23 respectively). During the first five days of this week (May 24 to 28), 17 outbreaks affecting 48 persons have been reported. More than 90 per cent of the outbreaks occurred in Child Care Centres/Kindergartens and primary schools.
      
     Additionally, the CHP's sentinel surveillance based at private medical practitioner clinics indicated a significant increase in HFMD activity over the past week. The CHP's sentinel surveillance based at Child Care Centres/Kindergartens and consultation rates for HFMD in the Accident and Emergency Departments of public hospitals also showed an increasing trend over the past few weeks. 
      
     "HFMD is a common disease in children caused by enteroviruses (EVs) such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. HFMD occurs throughout the year in Hong Kong, with the usual peak occurring from May to July and October to December. Institutions have higher chances to encounter outbreaks as HFMD can spread more easily among young children with more close contact. As there has been an increase in HFMD activity, parents should stay alert to the health condition of their young children," the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
      
     Most HFMD patients have mild symptoms, and the disease usually begins with fever, poor appetite, tiredness and sore throat. Painful sores may develop in the mouth one to two days after the onset of fever and then often become ulcers. Most patients recover on their own in seven to 10 days.
      
     Dr Tsui reminded schools that they are required to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Schools/Kindergartens/Kindergartens-cum-Child Care Centres/Child Care Centres on preventive and control measures as well as management of outbreaks, which should be reported to the CHP as soon as possible for follow-up. Management of venues with play facilities should 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 stressed that alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses causing HFMD, for example, EV71.
      
     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, May 29, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:45

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