China will see a higher incidence of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in June and July, said the Health Ministry spokesman in Beijing on Wednesday.

There has been no unusual pattern in the HFMD outbreak so far, said Mao Qun'an, the health ministry spokesman, at a press conference.

Experts estimated that HFMD cases might be reported in more places in the country in June and July, he said.

As of Wednesday morning, the viral epidemic has led to 28 deaths nationwide, according to Xinhua's tally, based on confirmed death reports from provincial-level health bureaus.

(Xinhua News Agency May 7, 2008)