By John Ruwitch | Reuters -- Fri, 19 Aug, 2011

HANOI (Reuters) - Hand, foot and mouth disease, a dangerous intestinal
virus, has killed 81 children in Vietnam this year, prompting the prime
minister to order ministries and agencies to redouble efforts to stop
its spread.

The country recorded 32,588 cases of the disease this year, and the
deaths happened in 17 provinces and municipalities, mostly in the
southern region, a statement on the government's website said late Thursday.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is relatively common among children,
characterized by a fever, sores in the mouth and blistery rashes. There
is no vaccine or cure, but patients usually recover in a week without
treatment. In severe cases, brain swelling can lead to paralysis or death.

The disease was a "large danger to the health and lives of young
children," Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said in a statement. Yet
attempts to prevent it were ineffective, he said.

Dung ordered the Health Ministry to coordinate efforts to stop its
spread and stronger efforts to boost sanitary conditions in areas with
children.

The Vietnam News quoted the health ministry as saying the number of
casualties this year was "considerably high."

(Reporting by John Ruwitch; Editing by Jason Szep and Sanjeev Miglani)

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