Hanoi, March 27 -- Vietnam recorded more than 25,000 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in the first three months of 2026, including four deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

The incidence is five times higher than the 4,900 cases reported in the same period last year. Notably, the southern region saw 18,031 cases, or 71.9% of the total.

Most infections were reported among children under 10 years old, making up 99.3%, with those aged 1-5 accounting for the highest proportion (92.7%) due to close contact in kindergartens and limited hygiene practices, the ministry said.

HFMD is a year-round infectious disease transmitted through the digestive tract and has been recorded in nearly all localities nationwide. Cases tend t...