Uthai Thani School Shuts Classes After Hand, Foot & Mouth Cases

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

A primary school in Thap Than district, Uthai Thani province, has closed two classrooms after 10 children were found to be infected with hand, foot and mouth disease. The closure aims to prevent wider transmission, with teachers and staff carrying out cleaning and disinfection.

On 18 September, Dr. Wasin Phodhipruk, Director of Thap Than Hospital, instructed the hospital’s disease control team to investigate the school following reports of several sick pupils. Initial information showed that the cases involved Year 2 students, located in two classrooms on the second floor of the building. In total, 67 children study in this section, separate from other classes.

A class teacher reported that one pupil, previously unwell, had returned to school with visible black marks on legs and healed blisters on hands and feet, suggesting hand, foot and mouth disease. This prompted wider screening of classmates, with results confirming that 10 students were displaying symptoms. Concern was raised that the infection could spread further if not controlled quickly.

Based on official guidelines, the presence of two or more confirmed cases in one classroom requires temporary closure. Health officials therefore recommended the closure of both connected Year 2 classrooms for seven days. Teachers and cleaning staff were instructed to disinfect the affected rooms thoroughly to reduce any risk of further spread.

Dr. Wasin confirmed that the outbreak was limited to this cluster but stressed the need for vigilance across the school. He emphasised that early detection and adherence to control measures are key in avoiding larger outbreaks. The hospital team will continue monitoring the situation in coordination with school administrators and parents.

The closure is expected to last one week, with students returning only once classrooms have been sanitised and the risk assessed as minimal. Parents have been advised to watch for symptoms such as fever, rashes and mouth ulcers and to seek medical help promptly if they appear.

Key Takeaways

• Two Year 2 classrooms in Uthai Thani have been closed for seven days after nearly 10 children contracted hand, foot and mouth disease.

• Hospital staff confirmed symptoms during a school inspection on 18 September, raising concerns of further spread.

• Teachers and staff are carrying out cleaning and disinfection while health authorities continue to monitor the situation.

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-09-19