While measles has yet to be brought under control across the country, hand-foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and chickenpox are expected to break out in the coming weeks. Medical experts warn the number of patients contracting these two diseases is likely to increase considerably with summer approaching. The Central Pediatrics Hospital reports it has received more than 120 chickenpox patients in the past few weeks. Hanoi-based Bach Mai hospital says it has been receiving more than 10 chickenpox patients every day and most of the hospitalizations have not been vaccinated against the disease. Dr Bui Vu Huy from the Central Pediatrics Hospital says chickenpox caused by Varicella zoster virus is a benign disease, but if patients are not given prompt treatment and good care, they will face other complications, commonly skin infections. In more severe cases, bacteria can enter the blood stream from blisters, causing sepsis and meningitis. Doctors say vaccination is the most effective remedy against chickenpox. Children, even adults, are encouraged to be vaccinated to prevent the disease spreading out across the community. If children show symptoms of chickenpox, normally high temperatures, rash or oral-cavity sores, parents are advised to let them stay indoors, keep them warm, follow personal hygienic regulations, and maintain daily nutritious diets. Alongside measles and chickenpox, the hand-foot-and mouth disease is going to reach its height, with 17,500 cases recorded across the country so far this year. A high incidence of the disease was reported in Ba Ria-Vung Tau (1,100 cases, up 34.4% compared to the same period last year) and Ho Chi Minh City (2,600 cases, up 29%). HFMD often reaches its peak in May and June in the north, and March-April and September-October in the south. There is growing concern that the number of infections is likely to soar substantially this year following the cycle of the disease. Medical experts say HFMD is also a benign disease with a low ratio of complications; it can however spread on a large scale within the community through food intakes and digestion. There is no vaccine against the disease that often attacks newborns and children. The Ministry of Health has recommended that people keep personal hygiene, eat cooked food, and use sterilized cutleries. Parents are advised to keep a close watch on their children to timely detect and isolate suspect cases at least 10 days after the onset of the disease. (Vov.vn May 3)
