news

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, August 7 (Xinhua) -- The latest data released by Japanese health agencies show that the number of confirmed cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in Japan has continued to increase recently, with more than 263,000 confirmed cases so far this year. As of the 6th, 43 of the 47 prefectures in the country have exceeded the warning value, accounting for more than 90%.

Pedestrians wait to cross the street in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, on June 29, 2023. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhang Xiaoyu

Data released by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases of Japan on the 6th showed that in the week from July 22 to 28, there were 37,428 new cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in the country, an increase of 558 from the previous week. In 43 first-level administrative regions across the country, the index exceeded the warning value, that is, the local designated medical institutions admitted an average of more than 5 patients with hand, foot and mouth disease, an increase of 2 regions from the previous week.

Looking at the number of confirmed cases this year, Tokyo has the most, with more than 22,500 cases, and the relevant indicators have exceeded the warning value for seven consecutive weeks; followed by Osaka Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture. The health department reminds the public to take preventive measures such as washing hands frequently.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by a variety of enteroviruses. Children aged 5 and under are the most susceptible group. Patients develop small blisters or ulcers on their hands, feet, mouths, etc., and experience mouth pain, anorexia, and low fever. This disease is mainly transmitted through the gastrointestinal tract, that is, the fecal-oral route, and can also be transmitted through the respiratory tract by droplets, coughing, sneezing, etc., or through contact with oral and nasal secretions, skin or mucous membrane herpes fluid, and contaminated hands and objects.

There is no specific medicine for hand, foot and mouth disease. The best way to protect susceptible people is to get vaccinated. In addition, it is recommended to wash hands frequently, drink clean water, avoid eating raw food, increase exercise, open windows for ventilation, and avoid crowded places. (Zhang Jing)

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)

For more exciting information, please download the "Jimu News" client from the application market. Please do not reprint without authorization. You are welcome to provide news clues, and you will be paid once adopted.