e-Bulletin October 2025

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Recent Research Unlocks Patterns of HFMD in Hong Kong and South Korea

A recent study by Professor Sheikh Taslim Ali and Mr Zixuan Yao from our School, in collaboration with Professor Sukyun Ryu, Assistant Professor of the Department of Preventive Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, provided new insights into the transmission dynamics of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Hong Kong and South Korea. By analysing over a decade of surveillance data, the research team uncovered how environmental and social factors influence the spread and seasonality of this contagious illness, which primarily affects young children.

The study reveals that while HFMD circulates year-round in Hong Kong with multiple peaks, South Korea experiences a more seasonal pattern, with a prominent peak in late spring to early summer. Importantly, the study identified key drivers, such as temperature, humidity, and school holidays, that significantly impact the disease’s transmissibility. The findings highlight a non-linear, inverted U-shaped relationship between temperature, humidity, and HFMD spread, providing valuable insights for early warning systems.

This study not only enhances our understanding of HFMD epidemiology across different climates but also paves the way for more targeted prevention strategies. The findings were published in Journal of Infection and Public Health. [link to the publication]