Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease on the Rise in Japan
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a viral infection causing rashes on the hands, feet, and mouth, is experiencing a surge across Japan despite typically being a summer illness. This rise in cases has extended well into October.
According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, designated medical institutions nationwide reported an average of 10.78 HFMD patients per facility during the week ending October 13th. This marks the third consecutive week of increasing cases and the highest number recorded during this period in the past decade.
Ehime prefecture has the highest average, with 28.25 patients per medical institution surveyed. Other prefectures with high numbers include Yamagata (26.61), Toyama (25.25), Miyagi (22.58), Kagawa (18.14), and Fukushima (17.92). In 41 out of 47 prefectures, the number of HFMD patients has exceeded the warning level of five per institution.
The Tokyo metropolitan area has also seen an increase in cases, with Saitama reporting 16.4 patients per facility, followed by Chiba (15.46), Kanagawa (13.17), and Tokyo (12.33).
HFMD spreads through droplets released into the air by sneezing and coughing, or by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with contaminated hands. It causes fever and rashes in the mouth, on the palms, and on the soles of the feet. In rare cases, complications such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) can occur.
Even after symptoms subside, the virus can continue to be released in patients' stool for several weeks. The strain affecting the most patients this year leads to rashes not only on the hands and feet but also on the face and abdomen.
While the disease is most common among children aged 2 and younger, this year has seen a relatively high number of cases among children aged 3 and older, including elementary school students. Experts believe this may be due to a lack of immunity among older children as a result of low HFMD cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is no specific treatment for HFMD, with most cases subsiding within three to seven days. However, pain from mouth rashes can make it difficult to maintain proper hydration and nutrition, which may lead to dehydration. Parents are advised to seek medical attention if their children show symptoms such as the inability to stay hydrated, vomiting, reduced urination, or extreme fatigue.
Alcohol-based sanitizers are thought to be less effective against enteroviruses. Proper handwashing with soap and water is essential for prevention.