BANGKOK, 13 June 2012 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health has instructed provincial health offices to step up their measures to control the outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) among young children.

The northern region has reported the highest number of infection cases while the ministry is strengthening surveillance, control and treatment of HFMD across the country.

Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri said that since the onset of the rainy season, HFMD outbreaks have been rife among infants and children. He warned that with the start of the school year, the number of infection cases might increase as the disease is easily contracted in crowded areas.

The Ministry is urging health offices, teachers and daycare staff to closely monitor young children for symptoms such as fever, ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue and blistering rashes on their palms and soles. As the disease is highly contagious, teachers and parents are advised to contact health offices in their respective areas for further instructions.

Since January this year, the Ministry has reported over 6,000 cases of HFMD patients, three times high than that of the same period last year. Out of that number, nearly 2,000 are found in the North.

Read more: NNT