Nearly one million people have been infected with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) across China, leaving 537 dead and 15,501 in a severe condition, according to website of the Ministry of Health (MOH).

As of June 22, a total of 987,779 cases of the virus have been reported. The disease usually affects children and is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person.

The MOH has taken a series of measures to battle the epidemic by strengthening monitoring of the outbreak, and providing training sessions on prevention and treatment in rural areas.