A strain of enterovirus is currently causing an increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease cases in Japan, particularly in October, defying its usual classification as a summer illness. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases reported a notable surge in cases for three consecutive weeks, marking the highest numbers during this season in the past decade.
Despite the disease being most common among young children, this year has seen a rise in cases among older children, including elementary school students. This shift in affected demographics may be attributed to the lowered immunity levels in older children due to the decreased occurrence of the disease during the COVID-19 pandemic, as explained by Hiroyuki Moriuchi, a pediatrics professor at Nagasaki University.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is characterized by fever, rashes in the mouth, on the palms, and soles of the feet, with potential complications like encephalitis. The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, contaminated hands, and can persist in stool even after symptoms have resolved. Enteroviruses causing this year's outbreak have resulted in rashes not only on the hands and feet but also extending to the face and abdomen.
The disease, which typically peaks in the summer months, has shown a different trend this year with an increase in cases during June and July followed by a decline in mid-August and a subsequent rise. As there is no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease, maintaining hydration and nutrition is crucial, especially in cases where mouth rashes cause discomfort. To prevent the spread of the virus, proper handwashing with soap and water is recommended over alcohol-based sanitizers, which are considered less effective against enteroviruses.