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Published on November 27, 2007

More than 90 per cent of the victims were children younger than five years old.

"Bangkok has the highest number of HFMD patients with 2,567 people being infected," Morakot said.

The total number of patients this year was already two times higher than last year, he said, because the disease continued to spread in the cool season despite the fact it usually only spreads during the wet season.

Morakot said outbreaks of HFMD were usually found among children at nurseries or kindergartens. "To reduce HFMD risks, children should wash their hands with soap after using the toilet and playing in the playground," he said.

He also encouraged parents to take children to the doctor when they have blisters around their mouth, hands or feet.

"Don't just buy medicines from pharmacies and separate the children with symptoms from others to prevent the spread of the disease," he said.

Disease Control Department director general Thawat Suntrajarn said HFMD was caused by enterro-viruses.

"Although infected children can recover within about one week, serious complications may arise and cause deaths," he warned.

The Nation