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28 Oct 2024 | 02:43 PM UTC

Japan: Elevated hand, foot, and mouth disease activity reported nationwide in October

Elevated hand, foot, and mouth disease activity reported across Japan in October. Use basic health precautions. Decontaminate surfaces.

Warning

Japanese health officials report elevated hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) activity across the country, with 33,760 cases reported from Jan. 1-Oct. 13. The average number of HFMD cases per medical facility is 10.78 nationwide. Several prefectures reported more than 20 patients per facility, with Ehime reporting the highest average number of patients per medical facility (28.25). Disease activity increased for three consecutive weeks. In 41 of Japan's 47 prefectures, HFMD cases have surpassed the warning level of five per institution. Health officials advise regular handwashing with soap and water and urge parents to seek medical attention if their children exhibit symptoms like vomiting, reduced urination, extreme fatigue, or dehydration. This represents the most recent data available as of Oct. 28.

Practice basic health precautions and regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces and items. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within a week of being in affected areas.

In Japan, HFMD is endemic and seasonal, with disease activity usually peaking in the warm and humid months (June through September). The average number of cases per medical facility in previous years was roughly 0.87 in 2021, 0.29 in 2022, and 0.38 in 2023.

HFMD is a very contagious disease caused by several viruses that spread through person-to-person contact, or respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Infected individuals can also expose people around them by contaminating surfaces and objects with fecal material or secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat. Symptoms typically appear 3-6 days after exposure. Symptoms of HFMD typically include fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and skin rash. The rash usually develops on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. HFMD is usually not serious and complications are rare.