The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported that the national communicable disease surveillance system and several healthcare facilities have recently observed an upward trend in adenovirus infections, particularly among children.

According to statistics from the Vietnam National Children's Hospital, from the beginning of 2026 to July 9, the hospital recorded 2,777 laboratory-confirmed adenovirus cases, representing a threefold increase compared with the same period in 2025. During the first days of July 2026 alone, an additional 383 pediatric cases were identified, indicating a rapid increase in recent weeks.

However, the Department of Disease Prevention under the Ministry of Health stated that no unusual changes have been detected regarding the circulating adenovirus strains, the scale of transmission, or the severity of disease in the community. The health sector continues to closely monitor the situation, strengthen surveillance, promptly detect new cases, and implement timely outbreak response measures.

According to the Department, adenovirus infections may occur throughout the year and affect individuals of all ages. The virus most commonly causes acute respiratory tract infections, presenting with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and runny nose. It may also cause viral conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal disorders, and other clinical manifestations. Most infections are mild and self-limiting; however, severe illness may occur in young children, older adults, individuals with underlying medical conditions, and immunocompromised patients.

Conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye) may result from various causes, including viral infection, bacterial infection, allergies, or environmental irritants. Adenovirus is one of the most common causes of viral conjunctivitis, but not all cases of conjunctivitis are caused by adenovirus. Members of the public are advised not to self-diagnose the cause or self-medicate without consulting a healthcare professional.

Adenovirus can spread through respiratory secretions, tears, direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated hands, shared personal items, and contaminated surfaces. Transmission may also occur in households, schools, childcare facilities, recreational areas, and swimming pools where hygiene practices, water treatment, or environmental sanitation are inadequate.

The Department of Disease Prevention emphasized that the current summer holiday season, together with increased travel and large public gatherings, provides greater opportunities for disease transmission. Children frequently participate in summer classes, recreational activities, and swimming, increasing close contact and the risk of infection. The public is encouraged to take proactive preventive measures while remaining calm and avoiding the spread of unverified information.

The Ministry of Health Recommends the Following Preventive Measures

1. Wash Hands Frequently and Avoid Touching the Eyes

Wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, especially after contact with infected individuals, respiratory secretions, eye discharge, or shared objects and surfaces. Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

2. Do Not Share Personal Items

Avoid sharing towels, bath towels, pillows, blankets, eyeglasses, cosmetics, eye drops, contact lenses, or contact lens cases. Wash the personal belongings of infected individuals separately and frequently disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as door handles, mobile phones, toys, and desks.

3. Practice Proper Eye Care When Symptoms of Conjunctivitis Develop

Use sterile gauze, clean cotton, or disposable tissues to gently remove eye discharge. Dispose of used materials immediately and wash hands thoroughly afterward. Do not use the same bottle of eye drops, or the same bottle tip, for both the infected eye and the unaffected eye. Contact lens wearers should discontinue lens use until symptoms have completely resolved and they have received medical advice.

4. Do Not Self-Medicate

Do not purchase or use antibiotic eye drops, antiviral eye drops, combination eye medications, or corticosteroid-containing ophthalmic preparations unless prescribed by a physician. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral conjunctivitis, and inappropriate use of eye medications may prolong the disease, cause corneal damage, or impair vision. Do not apply herbal leaves, breast milk, or any non-sterile solutions to the eyes.

5. Prevent Transmission to Others

Individuals experiencing red eyes, excessive tearing, eye discharge, fever, cough, or sore throat should minimize close contact with others, avoid sharing personal items, and refrain from swimming.

Children with symptoms should remain at home if adequate personal hygiene cannot be maintained or if close contact with other children is unavoidable. Decisions regarding returning to school or work should be based on the individual's health status and the recommendations of healthcare providers, educational institutions, or employers.

6. Monitor Symptoms Closely and Seek Medical Attention Promptly

People should seek medical evaluation immediately if they experience any of the following:

• Eye pain
• Photophobia (light sensitivity)
• Blurred vision
• Severe conjunctival redness
• Swollen eyelids
• Formation of conjunctival pseudomembranes
• Persistent high fever
• Shortness of breath
• In children: marked fatigue, lethargy, refusal to eat or breastfeed
• Symptoms that worsen or fail to improve

Newborns presenting with red eyes or ocular discharge should be taken to a healthcare facility immediately.

7. Recommendations for Schools, Childcare Facilities, and Swimming Pools

Schools and childcare centers should routinely monitor children's health, promptly identify those with fever, cough, sore throat, conjunctivitis, or gastrointestinal symptoms, notify parents or guardians, and advise medical evaluation when necessary.

Facilities should ensure access to clean water, adequate ventilation, and regular cleaning and disinfection of toys and frequently touched surfaces.

Swimming pool operators should maintain water quality and disinfectant concentrations in accordance with applicable regulations and routinely sanitize changing rooms, handrails, and shared equipment.

The Department of Disease Prevention stated that it will continue collaborating with relevant agencies to closely monitor adenovirus infections and other circulating communicable diseases, provide timely public information and professional guidance, and implement appropriate disease prevention and control measures.

Source: Suc Khoe & Doi Song (Health & Life Newspaper)