Surge in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: CHP Urges Hygiene Precautions in Schools

DH urges members of public to maintain hygiene amid increasing local activity of hand, foot and mouth disease

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 14) reminded the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene, given the significant increase in local hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) activity recently, to prevent infection. The CHP will issue letters to schools today, updating them on the latest situation regarding HFMD. Schools and institutions should report any outbreak to the CHP immediately.

The CHP's latest surveillance data showed a gradual increase in the number of HFMD outbreaks in institutions and schools, from eight (affecting 27 persons) per week in mid-September (September 13 to 19), to 12 outbreaks (affecting 41 persons), 11 outbreaks (affecting 26 persons), and 20 outbreaks (affecting 48 persons) per week in the past three weeks (i.e. September 20 to 26, September 27 to October 3, and October 4 to 10 respectively). During the first three days of this week (October 11 to 13), nine outbreaks affecting 24 persons have been reported. Ninety per cent of the outbreaks occurred in Child Care Centres/Kindergartens and primary schools.

Additionally, the CHP's sentinel surveillance based at Child Care Centres/Kindergartens indicated a significant increase in HFMD activity over the past week.

HFMD is a common disease in children caused by enteroviruses (EVs) such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. HFMD occurs throughout the year in Hong Kong, with the usual peak occurring from May to July and October to December. Institutions have higher chances to encounter outbreaks as HFMD can spread more easily among young children with more close contact. As there has been an increase in HFMD activity, the CHP reminded parents that they should stay alert to the health condition of their young children.

Most HFMD patients have mild symptoms, and the disease usually begins with fever, poor appetite, tiredness and sore throat. Painful sores may develop in the mouth one to two days after the onset of fever and then often become ulcers. Most patients recover on their own in seven to 10 days.

The CHP reminded schools that they are required to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Schools/Kindergartens/Kindergartens-cum-Child Care Centres/Child Care Centres on preventive and control measures as well as management of outbreaks, which should be reported to the CHP as soon as possible for follow-up. Management of venues with play facilities should refer to the CHP's Public Health Advice for Play Facilities on appropriate infection control in activities involving young children under6 during the peak season of HFMD.

Moreover, alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses causing HFMD, for example, EV71.

To prevent HFMD, members of the public (especially those in the management of schools and institutions) should take heed of the following preventive measures:

• Maintain good air circulation;

• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Wash hands before meals, after going to the toilet, when they are soiled by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing, or after handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;

• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;

• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as furniture, toys and commonly shared items with 1:99 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 99 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse with water and keep dry;

• Use absorbent disposable towels to wipe away obvious contaminants such as respiratory secretions, vomitus or excreta, and then disinfect the surface and neighbouring areas with 1:49 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 49 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse with water and keep dry;

• Avoid going to overcrowded places;

• Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rashes have subsided and all vesicles have dried and crusted; and

• Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of sick children.

The CHP's weekly publication, EV SCAN, is issued every Friday to report the latest local situation of HFMD. Members of the public may also visit the CHP's page for more information on HFMD and EV71 infection.

The Centre for Health Protection. Photo source: reference image

Two persons sentenced to seven and five months' imprisonment respectively for illegally importing alternative smoking products

A woman and a man were sentenced today (October 14) at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to seven and five months' imprisonment respectively for illegally importing 40 000 and 33 000 alternative smoking products. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office. Photo source: reference image

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 13) that 40 000 and 33 000 alternative smoking products had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid individuals arriving from Japan respectively. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted them.

Since the amendments to theTobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors,took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 32 cases involving the importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Thirty-five persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from four weeks to eight months.

According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.

In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation or harm reduction tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visit www.livetobaccofree.hk for information on quitting.

Source: AI-created image