Health ministry boosts prevention measures against hand, foot and mouth disease

Published : July 12, 2012 :: 16:07:40 [ 1,748 views ]

Health ministry boosts prevention measures against hand, foot and mouth disease

BANGKOK, July 11 – Thailand’s Public Health Ministry on Wednesday is meeting local health officials nationwide via video conferencing to improve surveillance measures following the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease in Cambodia.

Permanent Secretary for Public Health Paijit Warachit said the virus strain causing hand, foot and mouth disease in Thailand is Enterovirus 71 B5 and Coxsackievirus, which are not as severe as Enterovirus 71 D4, detected in the neighbouring country of Cambodia.

It is normal to have patients, contracting hand, foot and mouth disease from Cambodia, crossing the border to seek medical treatment in Thailand, he added.

The public should not panic as the disease can be prevented through good hygiene – such as washing hands and using serving spoons. Teachers and parents are advised to pay attention to children’s hygiene.

Regarding four children who developed symptoms similar to hand, foot and mouth disease in Kanchanaburi, the lab test results reporting the virus strain will be known within a week.

Report by : MCOT