No fatality caused by Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Thailand: Health Ministry

BANGKOK, July 5 (TNA) - Thailand’s Health Ministry says the spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the country will not cause fatality after two daycare centers in eastern Trad province have been suspended due to latest cases of the disease. At least 20 children at two daycares in Trad are found to have contracted HFMD. The two daycares are temporally closed to contain the outbreak and allow officials to apply disinfectants. Dr. Pornthep Siriwanarangsan, Director of the Department Disease Control of Thailand, said on Thursday despite HFMD-related deaths had been reported in some countries the disease caused no fatalities in Thailand. The Ministry has reported over 10,800 cases of HFMD patients between January and July this year, mostly in the North. Dr. Pornthep said the HFMD virus in Thailand would unlikely cause death and the ministry was stepping up surveillance, control and treatment of HFMD across the country. He urged school teachers, daycare staff and parents to observe sanitary practices for infants and young children particularly hand-washing after using toilets. Schools and daycares are also advised to contact health offices and suspend classes when their children have HFMD symptoms. HFMD patients suffer fever, ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue and blistering rashes on their palms and soles. Dr. Pornthep gave the briefing to the press while attending the 11th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM) taking place on Thursday in the southern resort island of Phuket. According to him, Thailand informed other fellow ASEAN members about the HFMD situation in the country. (Ends)