HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — The World Health Organization says an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease has surged in Vietnam, killing 98 children and sickening more than 42,000 others this year.
It says three-quarters of the deaths have been in children three years old or younger.
This year's outbreak is a sharp increase over previous years. Since 2008, about 10,000 to 15,000 cases were reported per year, with about 20 to 30 children dying annually.
The WHO statement quoted Vietnam's health minister as warning that cases might increase in coming months when preschools and kindergartens resume.
The disease is spread by sneezing, coughing and contact with fluid from blisters or infected feces. No vaccine exists, but illness is typically mild and most children recover quickly.
Comments: Martin: not to stir the pot, but alot of clothes are made in Vietnam with child labor. Clearly this is a serious health problem for any child or parent that gets sick (will some of you just grow up please), but practically, probably makes sense to wash any new clothes you get before even trying them on.
Momto2greatkids It is just not clothes that come from Vietnam. A leading medical device manufacturer is moving their manufacturing over there. Now the equipment and supplies in our hospital and doctors offices may be just as contaminated.