Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease Concerns In Chiang Mai

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Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease concerns in Chiang Mai

Schoolchildren at the Child Learning Development Center in Nong Hoi get instruction in

thorough hand washing from Mayor Tussanai Buranupakorn and city officials on Wednesday,

August 31, 2011.

After a recent announcement by Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, Deputy Director-General of the Disease Control Department revealed that there have been more than 7000 cases and 2 deaths due to hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in 2011, the Chiang Mai Municipality instituted checks and education on avoiding HFMD at Municipal schools and learning centers.

The strain of HFMD that is currently in Thailand is the enterovirus 71 (EV71) which has more severe symptoms than the coxsackie virus that usually occurs. Nationwide a total of 8405 cases and 2 deaths were reported between 1 Jan 2011 and 22 Aug 2011 with about 13 people per 100,000 becoming infected. Chaiyahum and Nakhon Ratchasima each reported a death while Chiang Rai was the second highest rate in the country with 31.3 reported cases per 100,000 people.

HFMD is a viral disease that usually causes fever, sores in the mouth and a rash with blisters, It is moderately contagious and usually affects children under 10 but any age can become infected. Good hygiene, especially washing hands often and cleaning surfaces, is the best way to avoid this virus.

[chiangmaimail]2011-09-03[/chiangmaimail]