More than 30,000 children in China’s Henan Province have been infected with foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as of April 14, with over 10,000 new cases reported since April 6.
The HFMD is a childhood illness that mainly affects children under the age of 10. Symptoms include fever, cold sores, and a rash with blisters. It can be deadly if not properly treated.
According to the Henan Health Department, the recent outbreak of HFMD that spread earlier this year has hit all cities across the province. The Health Department said that there were as much as 60 times more severe cases than last year.
As of April 14, 25 children have died from Henan’s HFMD outbreak. These fatalities were among the 30,877 cases reported in the province, where 9,823 children have been hospitalized. Health authorities warned that more cases may be reported as temperatures rise.
A reporter from Henan’s People's Daily said that the disease is a sensitive political topic, and can be reported only according to strict guidance from superiors.
The authorities have allowed only 184 hospitals in the province to treat HFMD patients. None of these hospitals would reveal the number of patients and fatalities.