BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Disease Control (DDC) is urging parents, schools, and childcare centers to watch for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) after 53,362 cases and one death were recorded nationwide this year. Cases commonly rise during the rainy season, especially among young children in schools and early childhood development centers.
Data from the Digital Disease Surveillance system show that from January 1 through September 1, 5,408 patients required hospital treatment, while the mortality rate stood at 0.002 per 100,000 people. Children ages 0–4 accounted for the most cases, followed by those ages 5–9 and 10–14.
The DDC reported on September 4 that young children are more susceptible to transmission because of close contact and shared toys, learning materials, and frequently touched surfaces. The agency has called on educational facilities and families to closely monitor children and consistently follow disease prevention and control measures.
Although the cumulative number of HFMD cases remains lower than during the same period in 2025, health authorities are advising continued vigilance. Parents, guardians, schools, and childcare centers are encouraged to work closely to limit transmission and reduce the risk of outbreaks during the rainy season. (NNT)
