What should I do when hand, foot, and mouth disease is spreading?

Practice thorough hand washing, avoid sharing towels, and if your child has fever or rashes, keep them home and ensure adequate hydration.

Can adults get hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Yes, adults can get it. Symptoms can be more severe than in children, potentially affecting daily activities and food intake.

Are there criteria for when to go to a clinic?

If your child cannot drink, eat, has significantly reduced urination, or seems lethargic, please consider seeking medical attention.

Nationwide Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Mitene Cold Doctor Analyzes Trends and Forecasts

Published Jul 17, 2026 6:00 AM ・ Updated Jul 18, 2026 6:45 PM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

Mitene Cold Doctor, an online consultation service for families, released a report on hand, foot, and mouth disease. Cases increased nearly sevenfold from early June to early July 2026, with children aged 0-4 accounting for about 90%. Experts provide guidance on proper care and online consultation usage.

Amid a nationwide outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), Mitene Cold Doctor, an online medical service for families, has summarized trends and forecasts for HFMD consultations. In 2026, consultation numbers increased nearly sevenfold between early June and early July, with approximately 90% of patients aged 0-4. The number of nursery school absence certificates issued is also outpacing last year.

Pediatric specialists provide commentary on HFMD symptoms, home care, and the appropriate use of online versus in-person consultations.

Outbreak Status According to IDWR data from the National Institute of Health Crisis Management, the national report count for HFMD in week 27 of 2026 (June 29–July 5) was 15,845, with 7.03 reports per monitoring site. This is an increase of 2.42 from the previous week (52.5% increase), exceeding alarm-level criteria in 27 prefectures.

What is HFMD? HFMD is an infectious disease primarily caused by enteroviruses, spreading mainly among infants in summer. Symptoms include blister-like rashes on palms, soles, and inside the mouth, sometimes accompanied by fever or mild gastrointestinal symptoms. There is no specific cure; treatment is primarily symptomatic.

Consultation Trends in Online Services At Mitene Cold Doctor in 2026, HFMD patients during the week of July 6–12 increased approximately sevenfold compared to the week of June 1–7. HFMD patients accounted for 7.05% of all online consultations during the week of July 6, and are expected to increase through late July.

Age Breakdown Approximately 90% of patients were aged 0-4, followed by 4.55% in the 30-34 age group.

Home Care and Severity Check Since alcohol disinfection may not be effective, thorough hand washing with soap and running water is essential. Be aware of severe complications such as dehydration, febrile seizures, or encephalitis/encephalopathy. Monitor fluid intake, eating habits, urination frequency/volume, and signs of lethargy.

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: Survey

Nationwide Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Mitene Cold Doctor Analyzes Trends and Forecasts

⚡ Key Points

Age Breakdown Approximately 90% of patients were aged 0-4, followed by 4.55% in the 30-34 age group.

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