Number of patients with hand, foot and mouth disease 1.5 times higher than last week, alert level in 27 prefectures

The number of patients with ``hand, foot, and mouth'' disease, which primarily affects children and causes a rash on the hands, feet and mouth, has increased 1.5 times from the previous week, and has exceeded the alert level in 27 prefectures. Experts say, ``There is a possibility that the number of patients will increase further, so please take thorough measures such as washing your hands.''