The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has issued an epidemic alert, saying that the number of patients with "hand, foot and mouth disease", which mainly affects young children and causes rashes on the hands, feet and mouth, is increasing.
It is the first time since 2019, three years ago, that the city has issued a warning.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a viral infectious disease that causes rashes on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth.
According to the metropolitan government, 1216 patients were reported from 264 pediatric medical institutions in Tokyo during the week ending on the 31st of last month.
The metropolitan government sets out to issue an epidemic alert when the total percentage of the population within the jurisdiction of public health centers with a certain number of patients exceeds 30% of the entire metropolitan area. issued.
It is the first time since July 2019, three years ago, that the city has issued a warning.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is transmitted by flying droplets or contact, and if the rash in the mouth is severe, it may be difficult to eat and drink, and in rare cases it may cause serious symptoms such as encephalitis.
The metropolitan government is calling on families with young children to take thorough preventive measures, such as washing their hands frequently.
A person in charge of the metropolitan government said, "There may be situations where it is difficult to see a doctor due to the spread of the new coronavirus, but if the symptoms are severe, please do not hesitate to see a doctor."