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Outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) occur all year round in Thailand and almost 14 000 cases have been recorded since the beginning of the year (2014), with the majority of cases located in Mae Hong Son and Phetchaburi.
The health authorities are alerting parents to the increase in cases expected following the onset of the rainy season in May. In March and April the number of cases of HFMD was double the number recorded in the same time period of 2013. July is the month when the outbreak should peak.
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.
