Hand, foot and mouth disease cases have been low in the past few years during the spread of COVID-19. As a result, many older children lack immunity, which is likely contributing to the continued spread of the disease.

Hiroyuki Moriuchi, a professor of pediatrics at Nagasaki University who is well-versed in infectious diseases. Hand, foot and mouth disease cases, a viral infection that causes rashes on the hands, feet and mouth, are increasing in Japan well into October, despite being typically considered a summer illness.

© Asahi Shimbun