DCD warns against HFMD outbreaks during rainy season

BANGKOK, 6 June 2014 (NNT) - The Disease Control Department has warned parents of new Hand, Foot and Mouth disease outbreaks, which are set to spread during the upcoming rainy season.

The HFMD outbreaks occur all year round but the largest number of cases is reported during the rainy season. In March and April of this year alone, the rate of infection was nearly twice as high as that reported during the same period last year.

It is expected that from May onwards, the number of HFMD cases could jump to as high as 5,500, especially during the peak month of July.

Since the beginning of this year, almost 14,000 cases have been reported, or at the rate of 21.49 cases per 100,000 population. However, no deaths have been reported so far. Most HFMD cases were found in Mae Hong Son and Phetchaburi.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than 5 years old. Symptoms of the disease include fever, blister-like sores in the mouth, and a skin rash.

There is no vaccine to protect against the viruses that cause HFMD. But children can lower their risk of being infected by often washing hands with soap and water and avoiding close contact with people with HFMD.


-- NNT 2014-06-06

Do any of you guys ever ponder what it was like to live in Thailand prior to the days of modern medicine? Say, even 50-70 years ago.

No wonder there is such love for the Kings. The modernization efforts of both Rama V and King Bhumibal have saved hundreds of thousands of lives and ended so much suffering.

is it because the soars get flooded and the shit gets mixed with the rain water & children running & playing in that ?

It's because the kids share cups at the schools