Outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in Thailand under control

BANGKOK, July 29 (TNA) - The hand, foot and mouth disease has bottomed-out in Thailand, as health experts continue taking precautions. So far, two people have died from the disease, while up 17,000 others have been infected this year. According to the Public Health Ministry's Department of Disease Control, this year’s epidemic is somewhat 10-20% higher than its five-year average level. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of Thailand meanwhile, says that closing schools can stop the immediate outbreak but is ineffective in the long-run. It notes that when schools reopen, the administration and teaching staff must carry out active hygiene programmes with the children. Furthermore, the school campus must be kept tidy and sanitized on a regular basis. (TNA)