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The Star
30-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Thailand warns of hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak
BANGKOK: The Thai government has issued a public health advisory warning parents to be on the alert for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a contagious illness that spreads rapidly among young children during the rainy season. Deputy government spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak announced on June 28 that the Department of Disease Control (DDC) under the Ministry of Public Health has detected a significant rise in HFMD cases as cool and humid conditions set in. He stressed that parents must ensure proper hygiene and health monitoring for their children, particularly those under five, who are the most vulnerable. 'As the rainy season begins, increased humidity creates ideal conditions for the spread of communicable diseases, especially among young children,' said Anukool. Between Jan 1 and June 25, 2025, Thailand recorded 21,315 HFMD cases. The disease, caused by enteroviruses (most commonly coxsackievirus), often reappears in children even after previous infection. It spreads through contact with nasal secretions, saliva, fluid from blisters or sores and contaminated objects or surfaces. The DDC notes that outbreaks are most common between June and August. Typical symptoms include low-grade fever, painful sores inside the mouth – particularly on the soft palate, cheeks and tongue – making infants refuse milk or food, and drooling. Children may also develop red rashes or small fluid-filled blisters on the palms, soles and torso. Parents should seek medical attention immediately if their child shows worsening symptoms, such as high fever, difficulty eating or drinking, lethargy, seizures, rapid breathing or persistent vomiting. Parents should encourage frequent handwashing with soap, especially before and after meals, and after using the toilet or playing. Toys, eating utensils and surfaces should be regularly cleaned. Families should avoid sharing personal items such as cups, spoons and towels. Teachers and schools should strictly screen children each morning. Sick children should be sent home and kept out of school until fully recovered. If two or more students in the same classroom fall ill within a week, the classroom should be closed for at least one day for cleaning. Health screening should continue for another week to monitor for new cases. Anukool concluded by urging parents to help strengthen their children's immune systems. 'Children should eat a balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables; get eight to 10 hours of sleep each night; maintain good hygiene; and receive appropriate vaccinations,' he said. 'If your child shows any concerning symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Early action is key to keeping our children safe, especially during the rainy season.' - The Nation/ANN
Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Thailand warns of hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak
As the rainy season begins, increased humidity creates ideal conditions for the spread of communicable diseases. PHOTO: KKH BANGKOK - The Thai government has issued a public health advisory warning parents to be on alert for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a contagious illness that spreads rapidly among young children during the rainy season. Deputy Government Spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak announced on June 28 that the Department of Disease Control (DDC) under the Ministry of Public Health has detected a significant rise in HFMD cases as cool and humid conditions set in. He stressed that parents must ensure proper hygiene and health monitoring for their children, particularly those under five, who are most vulnerable. 'As the rainy season begins, increased humidity creates ideal conditions for the spread of communicable diseases, especially among young children,' said Mr Anukool. Over 21,000 cases reported in 2025 Between January 1 and June 25, 2025, Thailand recorded 21,315 HFMD cases, broken down as follows: Children aged 0–4 years: 15,753 cases Aged 5–9 years: 4,658 cases Aged 10–14 years: 544 cases The disease, caused by enteroviruses (most commonly coxsackievirus), often reappears in children even after previous infection. It spreads through contact with nasal secretions, saliva, fluid from blisters or sores, and contaminated objects or surfaces. The DDC notes that outbreaks are most common between June and August. Common symptoms and when to seek medical help Typical symptoms include low-grade fever, painful sores inside the mouth — particularly on the soft palate, cheeks, and tongue — making infants refuse milk or food, drooling, and complaining of mouth pain. Children may also develop red rashes or small fluid-filled blisters on the palms, soles, and torso. Parents should seek medical attention immediately if their child shows worsening symptoms such as: High fever Difficulty eating or drinking Lethargy Seizures Rapid breathing or persistent vomiting Public health guidance for parents and schools For parents: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap, especially before and after meals, and after using the toilet or playing. Regularly clean toys, eating utensils, and surfaces. Avoid sharing personal items such as cups, spoons, and towels. For teachers and schools: Strictly screen children each morning. Sick children should be sent home and kept out of school until fully recovered. If two or more students in the same classroom fall ill within a week, the classroom should be closed for at least one day for cleaning. Health screening should continue for another week to monitor for new cases. Boosting immunity during the rainy season Mr Anukool concluded by urging parents to help strengthen their children's immune systems. 'Children should eat a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, get 8–10 hours of sleep each night, maintain good hygiene, and receive appropriate vaccinations,' he said. 'If your child shows any concerning symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Early action is key to keeping our children safe, especially during the rainy season.' THE NATION / ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thai govt warns of military reserve recruitment scams amid border dispute
BANGKOK: The Thai government has denied contacting citizens via phone or the Line application to enlist them in the military reserve force, urging people to follow official government sources for updates. Deputy government spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak urged people not to believe unverified information from unofficial sources amid the border dispute between Thai and Cambodian troops in the Chong Bok area of Ubon Ratchathani province. He emphasised that military agencies have no policy to contact citizens via phone calls or request them to add Line accounts for any proceedings. "The Royal Thai Army has not called for reserve forces. We urge people not to believe messages or individuals falsely claiming this to deceive and exploit them," he stated. Meanwhile, the Central Investigation Bureau also issued a warning, stating that scammers have been impersonating military personnel, calling citizens and falsely claiming that the recipient's name is listed in the reserve forces. They then instruct the individual to contact their supposed affiliated unit and, if they do not wish to enlist, to register for exemption by adding a Line account to communicate with an officer. The police explained that these scammers provide victims' names, ID numbers, and personal details to gain their trust, making them believe they are interacting with real military authorities. Once lured into Line conversations, victims are coerced into submitting personal data under pressure and fear—leading to financial losses and compromised sensitive information. "We urge the public to rely solely on official government sources for information and refrain from spreading or sharing unverified data to prevent confusion that could spark domestic conflict," Anukool remarked. "Furthermore, updates on the Thai-Cambodian border situation should be obtained from government agencies or relevant security organisations to ensure the public receives accurate information and can act accordingly." Reserve forces, or military reservists, are individuals who have previously served in the military but have since returned to civilian life. The process of calling up reserve forces follows these steps: The territorial army command notifies the governor of the province where the reservist resides. A summons letter is sent to the reservist, instructing them to comply with the order. The summoned individual must report to the designated location and time as specified in the letter. - The Nation/ANN
Daily Record
02-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
WHO warns of 'more infectious' Covid variant as travellers urged to mask up and get jags
The Government in a popular global holiday destination has issued a plea for people to follow Covid safety measures as a new variant sends cases skyrocketing. The World Health Organisation has raised the alarm over the new variant, NB.1.8. 1, which has caused a surge in cases in countries including Egypt, the Maldives and Thailand. This new strain, believed to be more infectious than previous variants, has also been detected in the US and the UK. Now, the Thai Government has sounded a warning after recording 257,280 cases of Covid and 52 fatalities. The latest outbreak has hit hardest in the capital, Bangkok, and in Chonburi Province. Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak warned that international travel and the upcoming rainy season could exacerbate the outbreaks, with the Ministry of Public Health set to closely monitor the situation. Anukool advised people to 'limit activities that increase the risk of infection, wash their hands regularly, wear masks in crowded places, get booster vaccinations when due, and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms', reports the Mirror. Cases of the virus have been on the rise since mid-February and are now at their highest rate since last June. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports higher levels of Covid in 73 countries - including the Caribbean. The WHO has raised the alarm over the new NB. 1.8.1 strain, now under scrutiny as cases spike globally. By late April 2025, it accounted for approximately 10.7 percent of all sequenced cases, a significant jump from 2.5 percent just four weeks earlier, and has become the prevalent variant in Hong Kong and China. Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease at Griffith University, highlighted that due to numerous mutations, this strain "may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains". "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants. "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." NB. 1.8.1 is surging in numbers across the Eastern Mediterranean, including Egypt, a popular holiday spot, and is also spreading through South East Asia, with cases reported in Thailand and the Maldives. The WHO has noted recent upticks in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The report states: "WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations. "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Holidaymakers told to wear masks and get jabs as cases of 'new Covid' soar
The virus has been detected at a number of holiday destinations and one government has issued an alert The government in a UK holkiday hotspot has urged people to wear masks, wash their hands, get vaccinated and avoid activity that could spread Covid as a new variant sends cases rocketing, The World Health Organisation has issued a warning over the new variant, NB.1.8.1, which has seen cases soar in countries including Egypt, the Maldives and Thailand. The new strain, which is said to be more infectious than previous variants, has also been found in the US and the UK. Now the government in Thailand has issued a warning after 257,280 cases of Covid and 52 deaths. The latest outbreak has been worst in the capital Bangkok and in Chonburi Province. Deputy government spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak said international travel and the oncoming rainy season, could accelerate the outbreaks and the Ministry of Public Health will monitor the situation closely. Anukool said people should 'limit activities that increase the risk of infection, wash their hands regularly, wear masks in crowded places, get booster vaccinations when due, and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms' Cases of the virus have been surging since mid-February and are now at their highest rate since last June. The WHO says there are higher levels of Covid in 73 countries - including the Caribbean. The WHO has designated the new strain NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring' amid concern about the sharp rise in cases. By late April 2025, NB.1.8.1 comprised roughly 10.7% of all submitted sequences – up from just 2.5% four weeks before. It is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China. Lara Herrero Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, at Griffith University said thanks to multiple mutations the new strain ' may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains'. "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants. "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." The new strain is being found in large numbers in the Eastern Mediterranean, an area including the tourist destination of Egypt. It is also being found in South East Asia - including in Thailand and the Maldives. The WHO said recent increases have also been observed in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. The report reads: "WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations. "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
