Bangkok increases controls on foot-and-mouth disease

BANGKOK, 29 August 2011 (NNT) – The number of patients with foot and mouth disease has climbed to 1,532 in Bangkok so far this year while children with the symptoms should be taken to the hospital immediately.

Director of Public Health System Development Division Mr. Sunthorn Sunthornchart said statistics revealed that 4 people in Thailand died from the disease this year. From 2009 to 2010, there were 2,092 and 2637 patients with mouth and foot disease recorded in Bangkok respectively; however, no death has been reported so far in 2011.

The Director said Bangkok had been well prepared to prevent the outbreak of the disease. Child centers and schools have been paying extra attention to children. They are also following the guideline proposed by the public health office to keep their students healthy and away from the sources of the disease.

Parents are encouraged to call the Foot and Mouth Disease Control Center 02-245-8106 if there has been the spread of the disease in their community or call the Department of Health at 02-246-9464.

Source: NNT