The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease, caused by enterovirus 71, occurring in China and surrounding areas including Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. Travellers are reminded to always practice good hand hygiene, and follow food and water precautions.
The reported occurrence of hand, foot and mouth disease in the mentioned areas is as follows:
- China: As of May 12th, over 24,934 reports of people infected with hand, foot and mouth disease, of whom 39 died.
- Hong Kong: As of May 21st, 24 reports of people infected with enterovirus 71 (EV71) which is an increase over the corresponding time periods in the previous years.
- Singapore: As of May 13th, 11,736 reports of people infected with hand, foot and mouth disease with no serious complications
- Taiwan: As of May 20th, 93 reports of people infected with EV71 of whom two died.
All jurisdictions have increased the promotion of disinfection and hand washing, with special attention being given to children.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common illness of infants and children. It is caused by a family of viruses including enterovirus 71. EV71 symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, headaches, sore throat, painful sores in the mouth, a rash with small blisters on the head, hands, feet and diaper area. On rare occasions, infection can cause swelling of the brain, spinal cord, or heart tissue and can result in death.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is spread by coming into contact with nose and throat droplets, fluid from blisters or feces of an infected person. The disease is also spread by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated by an infected person.
Hand, foot and mouth disease occurs worldwide and year round, however, it is more common in the warmer months of the year. Activity in Asia usually peeks in June and July.
PHAC strongly recommends that travellers consult their personal health care provider or a travel clinic at least six weeks prior to international travel, regardless of destination. This consultation provides travellers with an assessment of their individual health risks and their need for vaccination, preventative medications, and personal protective measures.
PHAC also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell when they return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal health care provider. Travellers should inform their physicians, without being asked, that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada, and where they have been.
Know before you go!
General travel health advice
Food and Water Precautions
PHAC strongly recommends key principles regarding food and water precautions to minimize risk of exposure to disease.
