Bangkok Post
A Cambodian boy has died of suspected hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Rayong's Klaeng district, triggering panic in the eastern coastal province.
Workers hose down and scrub the exterior of a train at Hua Lamphong station yesterday. It was part of a joint clean-up campaign by the Transport and Public Health ministries aimed at preventing the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease. APICHART JINAKUL
Rayong provincial health authority chief Krit Palasuth said the two-and-a-half-year-old died in emergency treatment, two hours after being admitted to Klaeng Hospital on Wednesday.
The boy arrived at the hospital with breathing difficulty, fatigue and blisters on his palms and feet.
His parents said he developed a fever along with sores on the palms of his hands and feet.
They took him to local medical clinics twice on Monday and Tuesday but his condition did not improve.
Mr Krit said health authorities are investigating whether Enterovirus-71, or EV-71, might have caused the boy's death.
He said three children who have been in close contact with the boy have been put under observation at Klaeng Hospital after developing HFMD-like symptoms.
The boy lived with his parents at one of a rented row of houses in Soi Angkhana on Sukhumvit Road. He was suspected to have contracted the disease from a Cambodian toddler friend who recently returned from Cambodia.
Mr Krit said samples have been sent to the Medical Sciences Department. Test results are expected in a few days.
The death of the Cambodian boy together with a report that dozens of children in Cambodia have died of the virus that causes HFMD caused panic in the province which houses Cambodian migrant workers.
He said authorities will ask business operators who employ Cambodian migrant workers to tell their employees to suspend travel to Cambodia.
Governor Seni Jittakasem has been informed and set up a provincial "war room" to handle the HFMD situation.
A clean-up campaign will be held across the province today along with efforts to intensify HFMD awareness.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday urged the public not to be fooled by claims that an energy drink can prevent HMFD.
The warning follows a report that Cambodians are taking an energy drink together with honey to prevent HFMD.
FDA deputy secretary-general Srinual Korakochakorn said energy drinks are classified as food and beverages and cannot cure or prevent diseases.
She said the energy drink should be called a "caffeine drink" and the FDA in fact has a health warning out for this beverage.
The FDA has asked provincial health authorities, especially in border provinces, to keep a close watch on false advertising of this product's claims to treat HFMD, to prevent any misuse.
"Don't be fooled. Not only will you not be treated for the disease, you may increase your risks," Ms Srinual said.
"The drink contains caffeine which has stimulant effects. It can be fatal, especially for children aged below 10."
More confirmed HFMD infections have been reported and more schools closed to contain the outbreak.
In Surin, two kindergarten classes were suspended from yesterday until Monday after five children were diagnosed with HFMD.
Siriwat Boonprasop, director of the school, said health authorities are investigating to find out if primary students have been infected. School closures will be ordered if necessary.
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