Large numbers of children with hand, foot and mouth disease in some Southeast Asian countries

Currently, large numbers of children infected with hand, foot and mouth disease are being reported by:

• China - Guangdong Province
• Hong Kong - outbreak in Kowloon Tong
• Malaysia - most affected provinces include Selangor, Johor and Kuala Lumpur
• Singapore - transmission continues

There have been a few deaths. The summer months are the season for the transmission of the viruses that cause this condition.

Advice

Small children are most susceptible to infection with this virus. Travellers who are travelling with small children can decrease the risk of exposure to hand, foot and mouth disease virus by washing hands frequently and by maintaining careful personal hygiene.