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The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Thailand warns of hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak
BANGKOK: The Thai government has issued a public health advisory warning parents to be on the alert for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a contagious illness that spreads rapidly among young children during the rainy season. Deputy government spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak announced on June 28 that the Department of Disease Control (DDC) under the Ministry of Public Health has detected a significant rise in HFMD cases as cool and humid conditions set in. He stressed that parents must ensure proper hygiene and health monitoring for their children, particularly those under five, who are the most vulnerable. 'As the rainy season begins, increased humidity creates ideal conditions for the spread of communicable diseases, especially among young children,' said Anukool. Between Jan 1 and June 25, 2025, Thailand recorded 21,315 HFMD cases. The disease, caused by enteroviruses (most commonly coxsackievirus), often reappears in children even after previous infection. It spreads through contact with nasal secretions, saliva, fluid from blisters or sores and contaminated objects or surfaces. The DDC notes that outbreaks are most common between June and August. Typical symptoms include low-grade fever, painful sores inside the mouth – particularly on the soft palate, cheeks and tongue – making infants refuse milk or food, and drooling. Children may also develop red rashes or small fluid-filled blisters on the palms, soles and torso. Parents should seek medical attention immediately if their child shows worsening symptoms, such as high fever, difficulty eating or drinking, lethargy, seizures, rapid breathing or persistent vomiting. Parents should encourage frequent handwashing with soap, especially before and after meals, and after using the toilet or playing. Toys, eating utensils and surfaces should be regularly cleaned. Families should avoid sharing personal items such as cups, spoons and towels. Teachers and schools should strictly screen children each morning. Sick children should be sent home and kept out of school until fully recovered. If two or more students in the same classroom fall ill within a week, the classroom should be closed for at least one day for cleaning. Health screening should continue for another week to monitor for new cases. Anukool concluded by urging parents to help strengthen their children's immune systems. 'Children should eat a balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables; get eight to 10 hours of sleep each night; maintain good hygiene; and receive appropriate vaccinations,' he said. 'If your child shows any concerning symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Early action is key to keeping our children safe, especially during the rainy season.' - The Nation/ANN
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Thailand warns of hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak
As the rainy season begins, increased humidity creates ideal conditions for the spread of communicable diseases. PHOTO: KKH BANGKOK - The Thai government has issued a public health advisory warning parents to be on alert for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a contagious illness that spreads rapidly among young children during the rainy season. Deputy Government Spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak announced on June 28 that the Department of Disease Control (DDC) under the Ministry of Public Health has detected a significant rise in HFMD cases as cool and humid conditions set in. He stressed that parents must ensure proper hygiene and health monitoring for their children, particularly those under five, who are most vulnerable. 'As the rainy season begins, increased humidity creates ideal conditions for the spread of communicable diseases, especially among young children,' said Mr Anukool. Over 21,000 cases reported in 2025 Between January 1 and June 25, 2025, Thailand recorded 21,315 HFMD cases, broken down as follows: Children aged 0–4 years: 15,753 cases Aged 5–9 years: 4,658 cases Aged 10–14 years: 544 cases The disease, caused by enteroviruses (most commonly coxsackievirus), often reappears in children even after previous infection. It spreads through contact with nasal secretions, saliva, fluid from blisters or sores, and contaminated objects or surfaces. The DDC notes that outbreaks are most common between June and August. Common symptoms and when to seek medical help Typical symptoms include low-grade fever, painful sores inside the mouth — particularly on the soft palate, cheeks, and tongue — making infants refuse milk or food, drooling, and complaining of mouth pain. Children may also develop red rashes or small fluid-filled blisters on the palms, soles, and torso. Parents should seek medical attention immediately if their child shows worsening symptoms such as: High fever Difficulty eating or drinking Lethargy Seizures Rapid breathing or persistent vomiting Public health guidance for parents and schools For parents: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap, especially before and after meals, and after using the toilet or playing. Regularly clean toys, eating utensils, and surfaces. Avoid sharing personal items such as cups, spoons, and towels. For teachers and schools: Strictly screen children each morning. Sick children should be sent home and kept out of school until fully recovered. If two or more students in the same classroom fall ill within a week, the classroom should be closed for at least one day for cleaning. Health screening should continue for another week to monitor for new cases. Boosting immunity during the rainy season Mr Anukool concluded by urging parents to help strengthen their children's immune systems. 'Children should eat a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, get 8–10 hours of sleep each night, maintain good hygiene, and receive appropriate vaccinations,' he said. 'If your child shows any concerning symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Early action is key to keeping our children safe, especially during the rainy season.' THE NATION / ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Govt confirms hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak
The Department of Disease Control has confirmed that Thailand is facing an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting children under the age of five. The rise in cases coincides with the early arrival of the rainy season this year, deputy government spokesman Anukul Prueksa-anurak said. It brings cooler temperatures and increased humidity -- conditions that are ideal for HFMD transmission, he added. A total of 21,315 cases were reported between Jan 1 and June 25, he said. This comprises 15,753 cases in children under 4 years old; 4,658 cases in children aged 5–9; and 544 cases in children aged 10–14, he said. Mr Anukul said HFMD is caused by a group of enteroviruses, with several strains capable of causing reinfection. Transmission occurs through contact with nasal or throat secretions, saliva, blisters or contaminated surfaces and personal items, he said. Common symptoms include mouth sores, especially on the soft palate, inside the cheeks and on the tongue, he said. In infants, the symptoms include refusal to nurse, poor appetite, excessive drooling or irritability, he said. There will also be red rashes or small fluid-filled blisters on the palms, soles and torso, he said.
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Govt confirms hand, foot and mouth disease
The Department of Disease Control has confirmed the country is facing an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting children under the age of five. The rise in cases coincides with the early arrival of the rainy season this year, deputy government spokesman Anukul Prueksa-anurak said. It brings cooler temperatures and increased humidity -- conditions that are ideal for HFMD transmission, he added. A total of 21,315 cases were reported between Jan 1 and June 25, he said. This comprises 15,753 cases in children under 4 years old; 4,658 cases in children aged 5–9; and 544 cases in children aged 10–14, he said. Mr Anukul said HFMD is caused by a group of enteroviruses, with several strains capable of causing reinfection. Transmission occurs through contact with nasal or throat secretions, saliva, blisters or contaminated surfaces and personal items, he said. Common symptoms include mouth sores, especially on the soft palate, inside the cheeks and on the tongue, he said. In infants, the symptoms include refusal to nurse, poor appetite, excessive drooling or irritability, he said. There will also be red rashes or small fluid-filled blisters on the palms, soles and torso, he said.
Mint
18-06-2025
- Mint
Planning a trip to Thailand? Think again: COVID-19 sees big jump; 4.76 lakh total cases in 2025 so far
Planning a trip to Thailand? Think again. COVID-19 cases have seen a big jump across the country in the past week. According to the latest update, 76,161 new infections and 40 more deaths have been reported. This data, from May 24 to June 14, comes from the Department of Disease Control (DDC). So far in 2025, the country has recorded more than 4.76 lakh total cases, Bangkok Post reported. Of the recent cases, over 72,000 patients were admitted to hospitals while around 4,000 were treated as outpatients. The death toll this year has reached 154. Bangkok (17,945), Chon Buri (3,315), Nakhon Ratchasima (3,027), Chiang Mai (2,678) and Rayong (1,775) were the five worst-hit provinces. The elderly population (60+) continues to be most at risk, with 14,757 cases. Working-age groups were also affected. There are 14,561 cases in the 30–39 group and 13,889 in the 20–29 group. Experts blame high social activity for the spread. Weekly graphs show that infection rates are still climbing. Health experts in Thailand have warned people not to take COVID-19 lightly. In the last four weeks, it caused 116 deaths, 29 times more than seasonal flu. The health ministry recommends wearing masks in crowds, washing hands, and getting booster shots. These measures are especially recommended for high-risk groups. Thailand's tourism industry, once hit hard by COVID-19, is now bouncing back. In 2019, nearly 40 million tourists visited while, in 2024, the country welcomed 35 million, showing strong recovery. Visitors from China, Europe and the US are returning, helped by government efforts to boost travel. Bangkok alone saw 32.4 million tourists. On average, each tourist spends $167 per day and stays for 9 days, according to GoWithGuide. Tourism added $48.45 billion to Thailand's GDP in 2019, making up 8.9% of the economy. In Malaysia, doctors are seeing more people showing interest in getting vaccinated or taking booster doses again. Older people and those with health risks are especially interested. This is happening because COVID-19 cases are rising in nearby countries like Thailand and Singapore. 'Malaysians are encouraged to... practise good hygiene, wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces and seek medical attention if symptoms develop,' The Straits Times quoted Dr Parmjit Singh as saying.
