In his speech, Mr Nhan said the number of hand-foot-mouth infections recorded this year is ten times higher than last year so the health sector and local leaders need to step up communication about controlling the disease.
According to the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health, since early this year, 90,189 cases have been reported in 63 provinces and cities throughout the country and 153 people have died from the disease, mostly children under five.
The southern region has recorded the highest number of infections with 58,000 cases and 131 fatalities. Quang Ngai, Dong Thap and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces have reported the highest number of cases. Ninh Thuan is now the first locality to announce the epidemic.
In HCM City alone, nearly 11,000 cases have been admitted to hospitals and 30 people have died. The disease has spread to 13 of the city's 24 districts.
The hand-foot-mouth epidemic is slowing down but the number of new infections and fatalities still remains high due to the lack of vaccines and poor public awareness of hygiene.
(VOV)
