Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Thailand

03 Jul 2017

Press are reporting on hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) statistics from the Disease Control Department of Thailand where 24 000 cases, mostly children under 5, have been infected with HFMD in the first 6 months of 2017. Bangkok has produced 86% of cases, followed by Upper Central Regions and Upper Southern Region.

Those caring for children as being advised to monitor and take action to ensure care for any cases, as well as to prevent further transmission

Advice for Travellers

HFMD is a common viral illness which spreads rapidly among children in particular; outbreaks most often occur in children's nurseries and daycare centres. Transmission is via direct contact with nose and throat secretions and faeces if an infected individual and by aerosol droplet spread. Contact with infected children should be limited and crowded situations avoided; personal hygiene and handwashing is paramount in reducing transmission.