Thailand keeps close watch on HFMD in children

BANGKOK, January 9 (TNA) - The Thai Ministry of Public Health has ordered public health offices in all provinces to keep a close watch on hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in children, after a three-year-old student in Bangkok was confirmed to die from Enterovirus 71 (EV71), the cause of the disease, on January 7, 2014. Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Narong Sahamethapat stressed on Thursday that all public health officials and hospitals across the country must be alert against any outbreak of the HFMD in local children under five years old. Dr. Narong said schools and child care centres are also advised to check their children’s health every morning and always keep kids’ toys and areas clean, with those having any symtom of contracting the HFMD be immediately reported to nearby health centres for a timely response.(TNA)