Health Government Warns of Surging Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease Cases During Rainy Season

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Picture courtesy of The Standard.

 

The government has issued a nationwide health warning amid a sharp rise in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), which is spreading rapidly among young children during the early part of the rainy season.

 

Anukool Pruksanusak, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced that the Department of Disease Control (DDC), under the Ministry of Public Health, has confirmed 21,315 cumulative cases of HFMD between 1 January and 25 June 2025.

 

The majority of patients are children under the age of 5, with 15,753 cases reported in that age group. A further 4,658 cases were recorded among children aged 5–9 and 544 in those aged 10–14. Health officials attribute the spike in infections to cool, humid conditions during the rainy season, which are ideal for viral transmission, particularly among young children through physical contact.

 

HFMD is caused by a group of enteroviruses and while often mild, the illness is highly contagious and can reoccur even in previously infected individuals. Outbreaks are most common between June and August, coinciding with the wet season.

 

Transmission and Symptoms

 

The disease spreads through contact with nasal discharge, saliva, fluid from blisters or contaminated surfaces and utensils. Typical symptoms include:

 

• Mild fever

• Painful ulcers or sores in the mouth, especially on the tongue, gums and cheeks

• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat (especially in infants)

• Drooling and irritability

• Red spots or blisters on palms, soles, and sometimes the trunk

 

In severe cases, if a child exhibits persistent high fever, refuses food or fluids, becomes drowsy, has seizures, vomits repeatedly or shows signs of respiratory distress, immediate medical attention is required.

 

Preventive Measures

 

For Parents:

 

• Encourage frequent hand washing with soap, especially before meals, after using the toilet and after playing.

• Regularly disinfect toys, shared surfaces and household items.

• Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or personal items.

 

For Teachers and Schools:

 

• Conduct daily health screenings. Any child showing symptoms should be sent home immediately and kept out of school until fully recovered.

• If two or more cases occur in the same classroom within one week, that room should be closed for at least one day for thorough cleaning. Close monitoring should continue for a week.

 

Government Reassurances and Advice

 

Anukool emphasised the government’s concern for children’s health and reiterated that the Ministry of Public Health is fully prepared to respond. Parents are encouraged to boost their children’s immunity by ensuring a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, and maintaining regular sleep routines of 8–10 hours per night.

 

He also advised parents to follow the national vaccination schedule and instil habits of good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, the use of alcohol-based sanitiser, sharing food with serving spoons, and wearing masks in high-risk areas.

 

The government urges immediate medical consultation for any unusual symptoms, particularly during the rainy season when the risk of infectious disease is highest.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from The Standard 2025-06-29

 

 

 

[gamb00ler]

How long before the virus deniers on here pounce spouting advice from the 1880's?  I predict before 10AM.