The number of Bangkok schools that have closed or suspended classes due to an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) has risen to nearly 30, the Bangkok Post reported yesterday (July 18).
Thursday 19 July 2012
Phuket News
On Tuesday, Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Elementary School was the first to close after a number of students fell ill with the disease.
The Health Ministry, which is racing to halt the disease’s spread and to prevent the possible appearance of a potentially lethal strain found in Cambodia, said that the current spread is likely to continue for another month or two.
Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri said that authorities have been ordered to monitor the situation and to set up provincial-level operation centers when the number of HFMD cases exceeds 10 in one day.
The Ministry is working to prevent the potentially lethal enterovirus type 71 strain from entering Thailand. The strain has killed dozens in Cambodia.
“Closing down schools is part of the measures to contain the disease and protect the children. Shutdowns may be required and there is no need to panic,” Mr Witthaya said.
No comments:
Post a Comment