The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has ordered 18 schools closed and some classes at 11 others suspended because of the outbreak of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), Bangkok deputy governor Malinee Sukvejvorakij said on Tuesday.
Dr Malinee said the BMA has kept a close watch for the possible spread of HFMD at various schools since January.
Students found to have contracted the disease were usually told to stop attending classes to prevent it from spreading.
According to the health department, the number of children with HFMD went up to 860 in June and dropped to 391 in July.
Dr Malinee said so far 73 BMA-run schools have reported HFMD cases. Eighteen of these schools have been ordered closed and some classes at 11 others suspended.
She said that the disease in country areas is still under control.
In the eastern province of Rayong, Krit Palasuth, the provincial public health chief, said 316 cases of HFMD were found in the provnce between Jan 1 - July 10, the 5th in terms of numbers in the country, but none of patients died.
The highest number of HFMD cases was 251 in Muang district, followed by 17 in Ban Khai district, and 13 in Pluak Daeng district.
Dr Krit said his office had instructed all nurseries and all public and private-run schools to step up preventive measures such as washing hands and eating freshly cooked food.
Factories have been instructed not to let alien workers, especially from Cambodia, go back for a home visit during this time because they could possibly bring into the country the disease on their return, he said.
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