South Korea Faces Rising Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cases in Young Children, August 2025

K-medical | 2025-08-27 15:31:22
[mediK / HEALTH IN NEWS] SEOUL, South Korea — The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has issued an urgent advisory, urging strict preventive measures in childcare and educational settings, as hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases have surged since May

KDCA data from the 33rd week of 2025 (August 10–16) show an incidence rate of 26.7 suspected HFMD cases per 1,000 people—a sharp increase from 1.5 per 1,000 in late May (21st week). The increase is most notable among infants and children aged 0–6 years, with a rate of 36.4 per 1,000, compared to 7.1 per 1,000 for those aged 7–18 years.

HFMD, an acute viral infection caused by enteroviruses, spreads through bodily fluids such as saliva, nasal discharge, blister fluid, or feces, and through contaminated surfaces like toys or doorknobs. Typical symptoms include vesicular rashes on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, along with fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most cases resolve within 7 to 10 days, but rare complications—including meningitis, encephalitis, and paralysis—highlight the need for vigilance.

South Korea is seeing a sharp rise in HFMD cases, especially among children aged 0–6, with an incidence rate of 36.4 per 1,000 as of August 2025. The KDCA urges strict hygiene and prompt medical care for high-risk cases. (Image Design = GDH AI DESIGN TEAM)
South Korea is seeing a sharp rise in HFMD cases, especially among children aged 0–6, with an incidence rate of 36.4 per 1,000 as of August 2025. The KDCA urges strict hygiene and prompt medical care for high-risk cases. (Image Design = GDH AI DESIGN TEAM)

The KDCA recommends immediate medical consultation for high-risk cases: infants under 6 months, children unable to stay hydrated, or those with fever lasting more than two days. Parents are advised to keep children with suspected HFMD away from daycare or public places until fully recovered.

Childcare facilities are urged to enforce strict hygiene measures, such as disinfecting toys, play equipment, and doorknobs regularly, and ensuring children wash their hands before meals and after restroom use.

“Preventing HFMD requires consistent hygiene practices like handwashing and surface disinfection,” said Seung-kwan Lim, KDCA director. “Children with symptoms should see a doctor promptly and stay home from daycare until fully recovered.”

Lim Hye Jung, medi·K TEAM press@themedik.kr
Copyright © 2020 mediK. All rights reserved.

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