Thailand-HFMD virus tested for mutation #EV71

PM and doctors warn against health panic

• Published: 23/07/2012 at 01:38 AM

 

A sample of Enterovirus-71, or EV-71, is being tested for mutation after it was found in the body of a toddler suspected of being the first fatal case of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Thailand this year.

Department of Medical Sciences spokesman Wattana U-wanich said the agency is testing for mutations of the virus as part of a normal procedure.

"The testing is a normal procedure because viruses are always changing and evolving. Significant changes may make it easier for a person to get infected," Dr Wattana said.

The two-and-a-half-year girl died on Wednesday at Bangkok's Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital.

A throat culture exhibited EV-71 but a lumbar puncture test and stool examination did not reveal the strain.

The results will be submitted to the Department of Disease Control (DDC), which will decide on the actions to be taken, Dr Wattana said.

Dr Wattana said EV-71 is not new to Thailand and a number of strains of HFMD are known to cause serious complications, including heart and respiratory problems.

EV-71 is one of the two most common causes of HFMD. The other virus is Coxsackie A.

The toddler had showed no related symptoms of the disease, such as blisters on the hands, feet and mouth or any rash. She suffered damage to her heart, lungs and brain.

Pornthep Siriwanarangsan, DDC's director general, said the cause of the girl's death will be discussed at a meeting on Wednesday.

He said that the media should not jump to any conclusions until the cause is clearly established.

He urged the media to focus news coverage on vigilance against HFMD and called on families to take children exhibiting symptoms to the hospital as soon as possible to avoid serious complications.

"One lesson learned from this case is that the sooner a patient sees a doctor, the better," he said.

Dr Pornthep also stressed that there was no need to panic following the girl's death.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the HFMD situation is under control.

Ms Yingluck said she was closely monitoring the outbreak of the disease and had received no report of HFMD-related fatalities.

Meanwhile, health authorities across the country are stepping up vigilance against an outbreak of the disease, especially at kindergartens and childcare centres.

In Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district, people entering the country from Myanmar are being screened for fever and advised to maintain personal hygiene to prevent spreading HFMD.

In Phichit, health officials are conducting spot checks for HFMD at childcare centres and kindergartens.

Children under five are being screened for fever and sent to the hospital if they have high temperature, even if they have no mouth sores or rash.

In Ubon Ratchathani, Na Tan hospital yesterday reported three suspected cases of HFMD.

Akaraphuchit Palanant, a doctor at the hospital, said the three children are under observation and will have to undergo further screenings.

He also warned of a possible outbreak of swine flu, saying it tends to occur during this time of the year.

Dr Akaraphuchit recommended following good hygiene practices such as frequently washing hands, saying this was a really simple step that reduced the risk of contracting the disease.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/303759/hfmd-virus-tested-for-mutation

Deadly virus found in 2-year-old girl who died: Thailand #EV71

Sunday, Jul 22, 2012

The deadly Enterovirus 71 has been found in the throat of a two-year-old who died at a Bangkok hospital last week although the child had no symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

Dr Passakorn Chaiwanich, director of Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, where the girl died, said yesterday that doctors found the deadly virus - responsible for the death of dozens of Cambodian children recently - in the Thai girl's throat but no symptoms had been recognised. He said that the virus attacked the victim's lungs, brain and heart.

Permanent Secretary for Health Paijit Warachit had said on Thursday that the girl's death, on that same day, was not caused by the HFMD contagion..

http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20120722-360538.html

Vietnam-Hai Duong announced #bird flu #H5N1

 (VNA) - Hai Duong province announced bird flu in Vinh Lap Thanh Ha district.

  Earlier, on 16/7, a number of rural households in Tu, Vinh Lap with chickens, ducks scattered dead. Provincial Veterinary Department took samples sent for testing at two veterinary centers of Hai Phong, the results were positive for H5N1 virus.

Immediately after the outbreak occurs, animal health and force people in the region were destroyed and 4,000 poultry up two checkpoints in Vinh Lap, preventing the transport of livestock and poultry passing through area. / .  http://vov.vn/Home/Hai-Duong-cong-bo-dich-cum-gia-cam/20127/218047.vov

The hospital ship USNS Mercy will be in Cambodia on July 29

The hospital ship USNS Mercy will be in Cambodia on July 29. The medical team will provide free medical services including optometry, dental, pediatrics, and general medicine.

Medical services will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following locations:

Jul 29 – Aug 2 Hun Sen Cheungkor Primary School, Sihanoukville
Jul 30 – Aug 1 Som Dach Out High School, Takeo
Aug 2 – Aug 6 Kandol Dom Primary School, Kampung Speu
Aug 4 – Aug 8 Hun Sen Chamyeam Junior High, Koh Kong

Veterinary services for small animals, immunizations, spaying and neutering, etc., will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the dates listed below:

Jul 30 – Aug 2 Kandol Dom Primary School, Kampung Speu
Aug 4 – Aug 9 Hun Sen Cheungkor Primary School, SihanoukvilleSee More

http://www.facebook.com/us.embassy.phnom.penh

Cambodi-Education ministry faces flak for closures #EV71

Education ministry faces flak for closures

Friday, 20 July 2012

Children wait to be picked up from a school in Phnom Penh after kindergarten and primary schools were closed on Wednesday. Photograph: Vireak Mai/Phnom Penh Post

A number of factors were weighed when making Wednesday’s decision to close all of Cambodia’s primary schools and kindergartens in an bid to stymie the spread of EV71, but the Ministry of Health’s opinion does not appear to have been one of them.

Dr Ly Sovann, deputy director of the Communicable Disease Control Department of the Ministry of Health, said that his ministry had not counselled the Ministry of Education to shutter the nation’s classrooms.

“No. It is not recommended by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization,” Sovann said via text message.

In fact, education officials said, the Ministry of Education didn’t even consult with the Ministry of Health in making its decision – at least not in person.
Pen Saroeun, director of the School Health Department of the Ministry of Education, said yesterday that the decision was based solely on media reports, teachers’ concerns and online materials from the Ministry of Health and the WHO....
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2012072057538/National-news/ministry-faces-flak-for-closures.html

Quang Binh: People are comfortable throwing out the dead poultry #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

..anywhere they want..

 21/07/2012 19:25:00
Nearly two weeks now, many localities in the province of Quang Binh H5N1 avian influenza has spread rapidly. Some communes in Quang Ninh and Le Thuy thousands of birds have died from the disease. Remarkably, despite bird flu spreads quickly, but in the market chickens and ducks are still sold rampant. Many farmers have to duck. The checkpoints were established in villages, districts do not operate effectively by relevant functional departments in Quang Binh does not translate into an aggressive stop. 

Is more dangerous than where chickens and ducks have been people killed up to protect the load full throw. At Back then, the An Ninh, Quang Ninh, just one day, commune authorities have recovered more than 70 bags of ducks and chickens died. Many landfills in villages, communes identify chickens, ducks die throw stink sprawling concentration anonymously.
For the situation that is due to the Veterinary Department of Quang Binh province and local governments in the province in preventing bladder, stamping out

http://www.cand.com.vn/vi-VN/xahoi/2012/7/176765.cand

Deadly Enterovirus 71 strain found in 2-year-old girl who died last week, hospital admits #EV71

Deadly Enterovirus 71 strain found in 2-year-old girl who died last week, hospital admits

The deadly Enterovirus 71 has been found in the throat of a two-year-old who died at a Bangkok hospital last week although the child had no symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

Dr Passakorn Chaiwanich, director of Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, where the girl died, said yesterday that doctors found the deadly virus - responsible for the death of dozens of Cambodian children recently - in the Thai girl's throat but no symptoms had been recognised. He said that the virus attacked the victim's lungs, brain and heart.

Permanent Secretary for Health Paijit Warachit had said on Thursday that the girl's death, on that same day, was not caused by the HFMD contagion.

Passakorn said that the hospital and Public Health Ministry did not intend to conceal the truth, as the hospital's initial check did not find the virus. It was later found that Enterovirus 71 attacked the victim's lungs, brain and heart.
"Also, we found Enterovirus 71 four or five years ago that killed a patient. Normally, 10 per cent of people infected with this kind of virus succumb to the disease as it can spread to many physical systems in the patients quickly," he said.

However, the Public Health Ministry has not confirmed that she died from HFMD. Dr Paijit said the lab test result of the hospital showing the exact cause of the girl's death would be handed to the ministry, then it would be considered by a committee of virus experts next week to finally conclude if she died from HFMD. The consideration would be based on epidemiology, clinical symptoms and the lab-test result.

In related news, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials are closely monitoring the HFMD outbreak. It has issued five measures to prevent the spread of the disease, including checking all children's health before they enter nurseries, schools and amusement parks in shopping malls in "risky areas".

It plans to separate patients suspected of being infected with HFMD for seven days, to clean toys, utensils and places, give out information on how to prevent the disease being spread to relevant officers, parents and people, as well as give treatments to HFMD patients according to the ministry's guidelines.

In Kanchanaburi, four more children have been found with HFMD. So far, 338 people in this province have caught the disease.

Officials in Si Sa Ket's Phu Sing district have strictly screened Cambodian children travelling through the Chong Sangam border crossing point with their parents to see if they have the disease.

With Cambodia having closed primary schools and kindergartens for two months to stop the spread of HFMD, more Cambodian children have accompanied their parents who cross the border to Thailand.

Authorities at the four border checkpoints in Sa Kaeo province have been seriously checking Cambodian children. Any found with the flu have been refused entry into Thailand until a hospital in Cambodia issues a document guaranteeing that they have not got HFMD. They are also providing hand gel for all Cambodians to clean their hands before entering Thailand.

So far, the authorities have not found Enterovirus 71 infection among any such children.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Deadly-Enterovirus-71-strain-found-in-2-year-old-g-30186712.html

Russia bans Mexican poultry product imports

Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) has imposed temporary restrictions on the import of poultry products from Mexico, due to the recent outbreak of bird flu in the country.

http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Industry-Markets/Russia-bans-Mexican-poultry-product-imports

Philippine gov't confirms infant infected with Enterovirus-71

Friday, 20 July 2012 13:39

 

MANILA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Friday a case of a one-year-and-seven-month-old boy infected with Enterovirus-71 (EV-71), an illness that killed at least 52 children in Cambodia.
Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the infant, who came from the southern city of Davao, was one of the eight suspected hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases reported to the DOH. HFMD is also caused by Enterovirus, including EV-71.
But the health chief said the boy survived from the illness.
"The boy developed fever and rashes on his hands, soles of feet, mouth, and buttocks last July 6. The boy had no history of travel outside the country. A consultation was sought at a local health facility. He was sent home and has since recovered very well. No other cases were reported in their household nor in the community, " Ona said.
He said that of the eight suspected HFMD cases, six tested positive for the screening test. After the confirmatory test, all but one was negative for EV-71. These will be further tested for Coxsackie A16, which is also associated with HFMD.
Ona reminded the public to be vigilant to prevent any illness.
"Prevention relies on individual personal hygiene and hand washing; shared toys or teaching tools in daycare should be cleaned, washed and disinfected as they easily become contaminated, " he said.  http://www.dap-news.com/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9408:philippine-govt-confirms-infant-infected-with-enterovirus-71&catid=1:local-news&Itemid=18

CDC: Whooping cough cases may be most in 5 decades

July 19, 2012, 12:58 p.m. ET

ATLANTA — Health officials say the nation is on track to have the worst year for whooping cough in more than five decades.

Nearly 18,000 cases have been reported so far — more than twice the number seen at this point last year. At this pace, the number of whooping cough cases will surpass every year since 1959.

"There is a lot of this out there, and there may be more coming to a place near you," Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.

Wisconsin and Washington state each have reported more than 3,000 cases, and high numbers have been seen in a number of other states, including New York, Minnesota, Kansas and Arizona.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial disease. It leads to severe coughing that causes children to make a distinctive whooping sound as they gasp for breath. In rare cases it can be fatal, and nine children have died so far this year.

Children get vaccinated against whooping cough in five doses, with the first shot at age 2 months and the final one between 4 and 6 years. Then a booster is recommended around age 11. The vaccine's protection does wane and health officials have debated moving up the booster shot.

The CDC is urging adults and especially pregnant women to get vaccinated so they don't spread it to infants who are too young to get the vaccine.

Whooping cough used to cause hundreds of thousands of illnesses a year but cases fell after a vaccine was introduced in the 1940s. Starting in the late 1960s, fewer than 5,000 cases were reported annually in the United States, for a stretch of about 25 years. But the numbers started to rise in the 1990s.  http://online.wsj.com/article/APae1ad7cd922e440eb33dc460e3abe635.html

Quang Binh:3 arrested for selling infected Ducks #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

..Then they escape

Quang Binh:Snap 3 objects spread H5N1 flu germs

 (AP) - On 21/7, from Quang Ninh district People's Committee said that this DPC has asked the district police offices on the urgency, arrest 3 objects display in local pandemic flu spread H5N1.
Subjects include: Nguyen Cong Ty (40), Nguyen Cong Hung (35) and Le Cong Son (20), all residing in the village of Thong Nhat, An Ninh, Quang Ninh district (Quang Binh).

Before that, 3 have to object on the H5N1 flu is spreading in the locality where the ducks died translate to stealing tens of diseased ducks into the rural areas there is no disease that librarians and Kim complaint (social Security) to sell or profit.

When being transported and sold duck disease, these objects have been discovered and commune police arrest. However, the above object escape and flee the area.

Authorities are also considering to conduct prosecutions.  http://dantri.com.vn/c170/s170-621293/truy-bat-3-doi-tuong-phat-tan-mam-benh-dich-cum-h5n1.htm

Quang Binh river chickens #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

Quang Binh province indifferent to bird flu

RFA

2012-07-20

The district in Quang Binh province announced positive results for avian influenza. Le Thuy district, Quang Ninh Province Veterinary Department was announced HPAI. However, many of her children, even the local authorities still subjective to the news.



Reflected in the national press many relatives in the area poultry flu still drop out and no way of handling dead poultry safer. The farmers here are throwing out the dead body of poultry or float the river, making the risk of spreading disease is higher.

Some farmers in An Thuy, Hoa Thuy Le Thuy district and commune of Van Ninh district, Quang Ninh also reflect that although the agency has notified the local characteristics that are more chickens and ducks died, but the dignitaries here still no resolution measure.

Also related news, police, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi Tuesday July 18 had discovered a truck carrying four tonnes of smuggled chickens. The number of about 2 thousands of chickens have not been quarantined and unknown origin are included in Hanoi for consumption is detected.  http://www.rfa.org/vietnamese/vietnamnews/quang-binh-civilians-pay-no-attn-to-h5n1-virus-07202012144728.html

The killer virus panic closed the schools in Cambodia #EV71 #HFMD

HAT TIP TO PATHFINDER
The killer virus panic closed the schools in Cambodia

18 juillet 2012 |

  All kindergartens and primary schools in Cambodia have been closed on July 18.  Officials fear an outbreak of EV71, has killed 60 children in the country.

  The information ministry has decided to close all kindergartens and primary schools of the kingdom for fear of an epidemic of the disease Hand, foot and mouth caused by Enterovirus 71 ( EV71 ). . "We know that the disease is dangerous for children, so we asked permission from the Prime Minister to allow them to stop ahead of schedule [holiday]," said Secretary of State for Education Van Mak, quoted in the Phnom Penh Post newspaper.
  The decision was taken to the large number of colds reported in nine provinces, raising fears of a spread. High fever and severe breathing difficulties are indeed part of the symptoms of which the World Health confirmed July 12 that it was indeed a virulent form of the disease Hand, foot and mouth, usually benign
Since April, about sixty young children - 52 according to the WHO and the Ministry of Health hospitals and 64 according to Kantha Bopha - were struck down by the virus, creating panic in the country neighbors . Thailand, in particular, refuses access to its territory to Cambodian children on its border markets and has also closed schools in Bangkok.
  In Cambodia, WHO said that closing schools at this stage was not necessary and reminded doctors not to use drugs against-productive as cortisone. «"For WHO, it is clear that steroids should be avoided, especially for viral infections, because they mask the symptoms and make things more difficult," said the Phnom Penh Post Sonny Krishnan, head of communications of WHO in the kingdom.  http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fr&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fasie-info.fr%2F2012%2F07%2F18%2Fla-panique-du-virus-tueur-fait-fermer-les-ecoles-au-cambodge-56906.html

So far 3.8 million have been slaughtered poultry from bird flu

For now, add 9.3 million more are infected farms in Jalisco, reported the National Health Service

Colima prohibits the passage of birds from Jalisco


GUADALAJARA, July 17. - Some 3.8 million birds have died and 9.3 million are infected so far by an outbreak of bird flu in farms in Jalisco, Mexican authorities reported today.

In its latest report, the National Health Service, Food Safety and Food Quality (SENASICA) explained that these animals have died from the disease or have been culled to prevent the spread of the virus.

"3.8 million birds have been depopulated under the most stringent safety protocols that establish the international animal health, allowing the containment of the virus," said the health unit.
From a flock of birds 16.5 million remaining in the municipalities of Acatic Tepatitlán and where did the epidemic, 9.3 million contracted the disease, there was the SENASICA.
He also said that until yesterday had reviewed 253 of which 33 were confirmed in the presence of the virus, 82 were negative and the rest "continue the process of diagnosis."

The Mexican agency announced that it initiated a review of farm fence outside the perimeter of health in the two municipalities implemented on 18 June, when they detected the first outbreak of the epidemic.

The SENASICA did not detail how many new facilities are subject to inspection, or if they involve more people of Jalisco.

Reliance announced that Avimex laboratories, Iasa and Ceva are making the 80 million doses of vaccine produced in Mexico to immunize 40 million birds in the first stage, which "will be available later this month."

In the first three weeks, the deaths of some 2.5 million birds in the outbreak of bird flu had left economic losses estimated at 50 million dollars in various productive sectors in Mexico, told EFE International Egg Commission .

According to the Association of Poultry Farmers of Tepatitlán, one of the municipalities included in the siege continued health epidemic could be lost about 32 thousand direct and indirect. "jobs"

According to the National Poultry Union, Mexico produces about 2.5 million tons of eggs and 1.2 million tonnes of broiler meat per year.http://excelsior.com.mx/index.php?m=...id_nota=848325

Mexico-3.8 million birds have died and 9.3 million are infected #H7N3 #BIRD FLU

The birds died or been killed by bird flu in Mexico are already 3.8 million

Hoy, 00:15 h. Today, 00:15 h. |

 Guadalajara (Mexico), July 17. - Some 3.8 million birds have died and 9.3 million are infected so far by an outbreak of bird flu in farms in Jalisco (western Mexico), Mexican authorities reported today.
  The final report of the National Health Service, Food Safety and Food Quality (SENASICA) explained that these animals have died from the disease or have been culled to prevent the spread of the virus.
 . From a bird's 16.5 million remaining in the municipalities of Acatic Tepatitlán and where did the epidemic, 9.3 million contracted the disease, said the SENASICA...

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=es&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnoticias.lainformacion.com%2Fsalud%2Fepidemias-y-plagas%2Flas-aves-muertas-o-sacrificadas-por-gripe-aviar-en-mexico-son-ya-3-8-millones_fpjU92jSoBrZnLULfUPMj6%2F

Mexico -Avian influenza has left 3.8 million birds culled #H7N3 #BIRD FLU

Avian influenza has left 3.8 million birds culled
July 17, 2012 • 19:00253 farms have been reviewed, of which 82 is not recorded in presence of the virus
Guadalajara. - The avian influenza contingency affecting the highlands of Jalisco and left 3.8 million dead or culled birds, said in a statement the National Health Service, Food Safety and Food Quality (SENASICA).

This represents an increase of 1.3 million birds killed in the last six days, as the same agency announced July 10 that to date the figure was 2.5 million casualties on farms and Acatic Tepatitlán.
The last cut dependence indicates that as a result of the implementation of the National Emergency Animal Health (DINESA), 253 farms were reviewed of which 82 did not register the presence of viruses in 33 confirmed and the rest are in diagnostic process.

"With respect to farms that have detected the avian influenza virus H7N3, remain under precautionary quarantine and isolation, the same way, maintaining control of the mobilization to prevent live birds, poultry offal and be transferred to regions free virus, "the SENASICA in the statement.

"The medical device SENASICA keeps on producing farms and backyards of the Highlands region, mainly Acatic and Tepatitlán, which have a flock of 16.5 million birds, of which 9.3 million are related within the surveillance area."

The federal agency reiterated in the statement that currently operate eight internal checkpoints and increased to 43 the number of leading experts in the region to meet the tasks of diagnosis, prevention, control and eradication of the virus...
http://noticias.terra.com.mx/mexico/estados/jalisco/gripe-aviar-ha-dejado-38-millones-de-aves-sacrificadas,3925734bb4798310VgnVCM20000099cceb0aRCRD.html

Hand foot mouth outbreak, Thailand and more schools closed

Hand foot mouth outbreak, Thailand and more schools closed

Wednesday, 07/18/2012 00:00

ANTD - At least 29 schools in the capital Bangkok, Thailand had to give students a number of school classes or to close all schools due to limb mouth disease outbreak.

  Dr. Wongwat Liewlak, in charge of disease control agency said Bangkok in Bangkok, most patients are children under 4 years. According to the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand, there were 12,581 people with hand foot mouth in this country in time from 1-1 to 9-7, however, no reports of casualties.
Meanwhile, Thai authorities are trying to prevent diseases caused by EV-71 virus lethal intrusion into the country from neighboring Cambodia. Many Cambodians have been to Thailand to work at the Chong Chom market area near the border and carry their child attends the nursery in this area. At nursery school in Ubon Ratchathani, has reported a student infected with this virus.  http://www.anninhthudo.vn/Quoc-te/Bung-phat-dich-chan-tay-mieng-Thai-Lan-dong-cua-nhieu-truong-hoc/456171.antd

30 schools in Bangkok closed for HFMD

More virus-hit schools to shut

HFMD outbreak may last 2 months, ministry says

• Published: 18/07/2012 at 02:30 AM
• The ministry is also racing against time to prevent a more dangerous and potentially lethal strain of the virus found in Cambodia from taking hold.
  The spread of HMFD will probably continue for another month or two, the ministry warned yesterday.
  Wattana Wittayalai School in Watthana district of the capital is the latest to shut after four kindergarten children were found to have contracted HFMD.
  Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri yesterday said HFMD infections will continue and spread in several provinces because schools are already open and the rainy season is under way.
  As of yesterday, nearly 30 schools in Bangkok had either closed or suspended some classes after students were found to have caught the disease.
  Health authorities have been told to monitor the situation closely and set up a provincial-level operation centre when the number of HFMD cases rises to more than 10 in one day, he said.
  It is part of the Public Health Ministry's six-point surveillance plan which also aims to prevent the potentially deadly enterovirus type 71 (EV-71) strain, which has killed dozens of children in Cambodia, from striking in Thailand.
  Mr Witthaya said the temporary shutdown of schools is necessary to curb the outbreak of HFMD, a viral infection that affects mostly children.
  
   

  More schools will be ordered to close temporarily as the Health Ministry battles to curb the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak
  "Closing down schools is part of the measures to contain the disease and protect the children.
  "Shutdowns may be required and there is no need to panic," he said.
  Charnvit Tapsupan, secretary-general of the Office of Private Education Commission (OPEC), said the school will probably announce the suspension of all kindergarten, Prathom 1 (Grade 1) and Prathom 2 classes.
  He said the OPEC has recommended suspension of classes at the three levels because children in this age group are most susceptible to HFMD infection.
  He said it is not known how long classes will be suspended.
  Deputy Public Health Minister Surawit Khonsomboon said the cabinet agrees with the Public Health Ministry's six-point plan to curb the outbreak.
  Under the plan, the Public Health, Education and Interior ministries will also coordinate efforts to monitor the disease, especially in child care centres.
  Advisories on hygiene and how to spot the infection will also be sent to schools and communities, he said.
  He said there is no need to panic over the school closures which will allow them to be thoroughly disinfected of the virus.
  He added that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has emphasised the need for the three ministries to coordinate efforts to contain HFMD.
  Deputy Bangkok governor Malinee Sukvejvorakij said measures are being stepped up to contain the spread of the disease, especially at schools.
  Wongwat Liwlak, chief of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)'s Communicable Diseases Control Division, said the BMA is focusing its efforts on childcare centres and kindergartens.
  They have been told to inform the BMA's health centres when a HFMD case is suspected so a rapid response team can be sent in, he said.
  Elsewhere, two child care centres in Lampang's Muang district were closed after more than 10 children were diagnosed with HFMD.
  Health authorities in Ayutthaya are closely monitoring a possible outbreak of HFMD at a privately run elementary school after 16 students came down with a high fever on Monday.
  The students, all from the same class in Prathom 4, were sent home as a precautionary measure.
  In Ubon Ratchathani, the provincial kindergarten school has been closed for disinfection.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/302969/more-virus-hit-schools-to-shut

Taiwan finds H5N1 virus in birds smuggled from China

Posted: 17 July 2012 1759 hrs

Taiwan finds H5N1 virus in birds smuggled from ChinaPosted: 17 July 2012 1759 hrs

TAIPEI: Dozens of pet birds smuggled from southern China into Taiwan tested positive for the deadly H5N1 avian flu virus and were destroyed, Taiwanese authorities said Tuesday.

The smuggler bought the 38 birds in the Chinese city of Guangzhou and was caught at the Taoyuan international airport in northern Taiwan when he returned via Macau earlier this month, said the Centers for Disease Control.

The birds later tested positive for the H5N1 virus and were killed, it said, adding that nine people who had contact with the birds had not shown any flu symptoms during a ten-day screening.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1214019/1/.html

Thailand remains on alert for #EV71

July 17 2012 1 00 am.

Cambodia's epidemic of hand, foot and mouth disease appears to have passed the critical point and is now under control, but Thailand remains on alert for further cases, Bureau of Epidemiology director Dr Pasakorn Akarasewi said yesterday.

Meanwhile, the elementary level at Satit Chula demonstration school in central Bangkok has closed, starting from today. A press conference will be held at 1pm to announce details...

Dr Pasakorn said the outbreak in Cambodia should decline within 45 days and that the illness had been found in Thailand among primaryschool students. About 13,000 children in Thailand have been infected with HFMD, and the figure might reach 18,000 this year.

 ... In Thailand, the outbreak has occurred in nurseries and kindergartens, mainly in the Central and Northeast regions, with some in the North and South. Most patients are children of three to five years of age, but symptoms have also been found in some children older than five.


Mae Hong Song publichealth chief Dr Paisarn Tanyawinijkul said: "Parents should advise their children to wash their hands often. As for schools, if they find more than five students coming down with the HFMD in a class, the class must be suspended. If there are more than five such classes, the school should be closed down temporarily."

In Rayong, Kris said he had asked employers to cooperate on the temporary ban on Cambodian workers from visiting home.

"If they go to Cambodia and come back around this time, they may return with enterovirus 71," he said. "The employers have agreed to provide cooperation."

   http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Kingdom-remains-on-alert-for-disease-outbreak-30186288.html

ANTHRAX, BOVINE - GERMANY (03): (SACHSEN-ANHALT), REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org

Date: 16 Jul 2012
Source: Animal-health-online [edited]
http://www.animal-health-online.de/gross/


There have now been 10 dead cows and the remaining animals have been moved into a different field, and have been treated with long acting antibiotics. Since yesterday no animal has died so the authorities are hoping there won't be more fatalities. A group of experts is due to investigate the herd and the location to get a clue about the source of infection.

The national reference laboratory (Friedrich-Loffler-Institut (FLI) in Jena) made the final diagnosis.

http://www.cvlonghorns.de

[To better appreciate where this outbreak is, I recommend that members check on the OIE site which has an excellent map. See: 
http://web.oie.int/wahis/public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid=12121.

One of the initial press reports had some 50 people receiving "antibiotics," which is an extraordinary number under any circumstances. The reason for this was not given and for most farm outbreaks, even involving as many animals as this, it is unusual to issue antibiotics unless there had been on-farm butchering. It would be appreciated if an informed German member could share why this took place. - Mod.MHJ] 

Vietnam Blatantly selling dead Chinese chickens at the market #h5n1

Currently, we have banned import of Chinese poultry waste.  However, because the immediate benefits, many merchants, especially in markets Ha Vi (Thuong Tin, Ha Noi) have entered this chicken to Hanoi and surrounding provinces for consumption, pull down the price of domestic chicken low. 

 This can make the livestock sector in the country bankrupt.

 . With China's discarded chicken, does not exclude the possibility that chickens are farm operators eggs during the disease, so they sell to traders with cheap Vietnam.  Consumers are eating chicken incubation will seriously affect health. http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=vi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fus.24h.com.vn%2Ftin-tuc-trong-ngay%2Fga-thai-loai-tq-loi-cua-co-quan-chuc-nang-c46a469524.html

Philippines DOH: Two kids tested positive for Enterovirus

11:24 am | Tuesday, July 17th, 2012
MANILA, Philippines—Two children tested positive of Enterovirus (EV) in the Philippines–the virus that has killed many children in Cambodia, a report from Radyo Inquirer 990AM said Tuesday.

Citing the Department of Health’s confirmation of the report, assistant Health Secretary Eric Tayag was quoted as saying that two of the seven specimens submitted for testing at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine were found positive of the virus.

The two children are both in  good conditions, Tayag was quoted as saying.
The report also said that enterovirus http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/230107/doh-two-kids-tested-positive-for-enterovirus

Mexican eggs smuggled to Guatemala despite border inspections

...However, by the river on rafts Suchiate keep passing hundreds of boxes of Mexican eggs smuggled into Guatemala. Unofficial figures monthly cross talk that 30 000 boxes of eggs.
The Government of Guatemala through the Ministry of Health has insisted on the request to its residents to avoid eating the Mexican product.
In the border area before buying, Guatemalans traders questioned whether the product they sell is Mexican or of their country and it depends on the purchase.
The Mexican egg for the peso with the quetzal, is cheaper (1 quetzal the piece), while the more expensive Guatemalan tilefish (1.25 quetzals to the piece).
Last week the National Civil Police of Guatemala seized a contraband cargo entered his country valued at 200 thousand quetzals and the carrying 50 boxes of Mexican egg.  http://noticias.terra.com.mx/mexico/estados/preocupa-huevo-mexicano-a-guatemaltecos,e1a7a5f932298310VgnVCM10000098cceb0aRCRD.html

New mom recovering from flesh-eating bacteria is a 'fighter'

Lana Kuykendall, the South Carolina woman struck by flesh eating bacteria shortly after delivering twins, appears to be well on the road to recovery.
"It's been a long road, a lot of which I don't remember, but we're recovering and that's what matters," Kuykendall told Willie Geist in an exclusive interview on TODAY.
She's moved from a hospital to a rehabilitation facility, and she could go home as early as this week. Last month, she was able to hold her babies for the first time since being infected, and she's now able to walk. Her friends and husband Darren say the babies have been a huge motivator in her fast recovery.

TODAY

Lana Kuykendall holding her twins, born in early May.

 

"She's a fighter. She works hard every day and she pushes through it," her physical therapist, Lindsay Swift, tells TODAY.

After nearly 20 surgical procedures, the 36-year-old mom’s condition was upgraded to “good” by doctors at Greenville Memorial Hospital in late June.
"It was touch-and go each and every day, and it was stressful," said Darren, a firefighter. "She's very strong. Her faith in God has has really pulled her through -- pulled all of us through. I knew that she was a fighter from the word go, and I love her with all my heart. She's the best thing that ever happened to me."
On May 11, just days after her babies were born, Kuykendall noticed a dark spot on the back of her left leg. Thinking it might be a blood clot, Kuykendall, who is a paramedic, checked herself in to the hospital. By the time Kuykendall went in for....   http://todayhealth.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/16/12752928-new-mom-recovering-from-flesh-eating-bacteria-is-a-fighter?lite

China- Boy body suffering from avian influenza virus has been cleared

Boy body suffering from avian influenza virus has been cleared

..According to the advisory board member of one of Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection Thomas Tsang, Director of, from ear to Hong Kong last month diagnosed transfection of avian influenza the boy had been transferred to ICU, the virus has been cleared in a stable condition, but hydrocephalus is still needed to treat his family were not infected. Monitoring shows that some changes of recent years, strains of influenza in Hong Kong and Guangdong closer and closer, so the two will have more cooperation in the prevention and control of infectious diseases and research.

2012-07-17 00:00:  http://lady.southcn.com/6/2012-07/17/content_51106696.htm

H5N1 flu appears in Quang Binh

Updated at 03:18, Monday, 07/16/2012 (GMT 7)


Nhan Dan - Afternoon 16-7, the Veterinary Department of Quang Binh province, said test results on dead ducks in two districts of Le Thuy and Quang Ninh showed that H5N1 flu appears in Quang Binh.


From 13-7 to date, raising ducks in the local Son Thuy, Loc Thuy (Le Thuy), Security (Quang Ninh) abnormal mass death.

Quang Binh Department of Animal Health and Agriculture and Rural Development districts coordinate taken on the samples sent for testing dead birds and concluded positive for H5N1.

Quang Binh Department of Animal Health is cooperating with the local implementation of siege and destruction of infected ducks, spray chemical disinfectants service areas and areas appear neighboring organizations to prevent and means movement of poultry in the infected areas.

This morning, the Veterinary Department of Quang Binh send a written request for the Animal Health Department vaccine to vaccinate the remaining ducks in two districts of Le Thuy and Quang Ninh.  http://www.nhandan.com.vn/cmlink/nha...-binh-1.358071

Quang Binh: current H5N1 flu in Quang Ninh

 Monday, 16.07.2012, 17:46 (GMT +7)
(SGGPO.) - Day 16-7 Pham Hong Son, the Director of the Veterinary Department confirmed Quang Binh province, in An Ninh commune, Quang Ninh, Quang Binh Province samples from dead birds have side tested positive bird flu virus H5N1.

An Ninh People's Committee, said in recent days, in the village of Thong Nhat 300 ducks died series and the phenomenon has been reported to the Department of Veterinary, veterinary officials took samples tested duck deaths and detection of avian influenza broke out here.

The Veterinary Department is carrying out the destruction of thousands of ducks in the disease, the recommendation should not be used in the poultry area. However noon 16-7 commune People's Councils and Security meeting was held slaughtering ducks in bird flu area for 80 participants for lunch, despite the recommendations made, the number of delegates this being monitored for health status  http://www.sggp.org.vn/ytesuckhoe/2012/7/294061/

Ireland-Six ‘Mad Cow’deaths in 3 years?

          

 Sunday 15 July 2012 13:38

THE human variant of ‘Mad Cow Disease’ was mentioned on six Northern Ireland death certificates over the past three years, the Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has revealed.

The Minister provided details of the number of deaths registered in Northern Ireland between 2009 and 2011, where ‘Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease’ was mentioned on the death certificate.
Mr Wilson’s colleague the Health Minister Edwin Poots said that of 176 deaths from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease across the UK since 1995, just three had occurred in Northern Ireland.
Mr Poots said none of the three deaths were due to blood transfusions and that it was impossible to say for sure if the three local deaths were due to the consumption of infected beef products.
“There have been 176 deaths in the United Kingdom from variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) since 1995. Three of these deaths were in Northern Ireland,” he stated.
“None of the three deaths in Northern Ireland was associated with blood transfusions. While there is good, although indirect, evidence that variant CJD originated from transmission of infection from Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in cattle to humans via infectivity in food, the source of infection in three cases in Northern Ireland is not known,” he added.  http://www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk/news/local/six-mad-cow-deaths-1-4036219

Possible importation of vaccine against avian influenza in Italy

GUADALAJARA, Jalisco (14/JUL/2012.) -
The international community has shown signs of support with the avian flu crisis affecting the poultry Jalisco. An example of this is that there is a strong possibility that vaccines are brought from Italy for use with biological material and is processed in four Mexican laboratories, as reported by the president of the National Union of Poultry Producers (A), César de Anda Molina. The local businessman said that the Italian vaccine would be a valuable tool because it would "laboratory of the first world and thus be certain to use in the current health emergency has Tepatitlán poultry and Acatic". Given a choice of European vaccine, the interviewee noted that since imports were completely discarded vaccine Pakistan, as announced by the federal agricultural authority.  http://www.informador.com.mx/primera/2012/389931/6/posible-importacion-de-vacuna-de-italia-contra-influenza-aviar.htm

Ukraine bans poultry imports from China

 

July 14, 2012, 11:05 a.m.

Ukraine has banned poultry imports from seven administrative territories of China because of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on their territory.
Information about the ban was sent out in a telegram by State Veterinary Inspector Volodymyr Horzheyev, the press service of the State Veterinary and Biosecurity Service of Ukraine reported on Friday.
In particular, the ban is in effect for the provinces of Gansu, Liaoning, Yunnan, the Tibet Autonomous Region, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and the Island of Taiwan.  http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-bans-poultry-imports-from-china.html

U.S. Customs monitors for #H7N3

Customs Officers and Inspection Service Animal and Plant Department of Agriculture United States intensified the international bridges revision of the border to prevent the entry of bird flu.
The provision is to review all chicken meat and processed eggs and roasted, boiled or hard boiled eggs from Mexico.
Homeland Security spokesman and Customs in Laredo, Texas, Rick Pauza said he can not enter American territory the flesh of this animal and its derivatives until the alert is lifted."To cross the chicken and turkey have to prove they were cooked to at least 72 degrees Celsius and a permit from the Department of Agriculture," he said.
He said that officers are given the option of returning visitors into Mexico with the poultry products from being fined.http://www.periodicocorreo.com.mx/nacional/estados/46227-garantizan-recursos-contra-la-gripe-aviar.html

#H7N3 #Bird flu Found in Puebla

July 14, 2012

The district chief of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA), Eduardo Cabada Remes, said that because this week was detected bird flu in the neighboring state of Puebla, in the entity is held out a cordon sanitaire in order to prevent this flu from reaching the approximately 100 farms involved in poultry production.http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.diariodelsur.mx/%3Fp%3D64085&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dgripe%2Baviar%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26tbas%3D0%26prmdo%3D1%26biw%3D928%26bih%3D588%26tbs%3Dqdr:d%26tbm%3Dblg&sa=X&ei=nI0BUIaYGsqU2AXr-_GdCw&ved=0CEEQ7gEwAg

Cambodia, WHO wrap up probe of EV-71 infections

Lisa Schnirring Staff Writer
Jul 12, 2012 (CIDRAP News) – A joint investigation into dozens of puzzling lethal respiratory illnesses in Cambodian children concluded that the infections were caused by a severe form of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Cambodia's health ministry said today in a statement.

Earlier this week, the agencies said lab analysis of samples from several of the patients pointed to enterovirus 71 (EV-71), which can cause a severe form of HFMD in some patients.

In their wrap-up of the investigation, the groups said the findings include a review of hospital records on children treated at Kantha Bopha Children's Hospital, which reported unusual numbers of illnesses and deaths since April, and records from other hospitals.

The probe also included a review of lab tests, follow-up of affected families by rapid response teams, and analysis of disease data from Cambodia's surveillance system. The Pasteur Institute in Cambodia and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assisted with the investigation.

Officials identified 78 cases, including 62 initially reported from Kantha Bopha Hospital. Investigators focused on 61 cases that fit the case definition, which included 54 deaths. The Pasteur Institute tested samples from 31 patients, and most were positive for EV-71. A few were positive for other pathogens, including Haemophilus influenzae type B and Streptococcus suis, according to the statement.

Most of the patients were under age 3, and some were affected by chronic conditions and malnutrition. The children were from 14 different provinces.

Investigators found that many of the patients had been given steroids at some point in their illness, which can worsen the condition of patients with EV-71 infections, the statement said.

In response to the illnesses, Cambodia's health ministry, with WHO support, has launched enhanced surveillance for neurorespiratory syndrome, a key feature observed in some patients with severe HFMD caused by EV-71. Officials have asked health centers to also report patients with mild HFMD infections. The statement said officials expect to identify occasional new cases of the severe form of the disease in the months ahead.

Health officials are also developing guidelines and training courses for managing patients with both mild and severe HFMD.

The statement said HFMD is not a new disease in Cambodia, but it did not say if illnesses linked to EV-71 had been detected before.

HFMD is common in many Asian countries. A Jun 26 HFMD surveillance update from the WHO's Western Pacific Region office (WPRO) noted that seven countries or administrative regions have reported cases this year, most of them in China, Vietnam, and Singapore.

In other developments, health authorities in the Philippines on Jul 10 made EV-71 infection a reportable illness, which requires individuals and health facilities to report infections to public health officials, Rappler.com, a social news network based near Manila, reported yesterday. The country's department of health said yesterday that it would soon release guidelines on reporting EV-71 illnesses.

Philippines health officials said no travel restrictions are needed for people traveling to and from Cambodia, though officials are screening in-bound travelers at all points of entry, according to the report.

See also:

Jul 12 WHO and Cambodian health ministry joint statement http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/news/jul1212enterovirus.html

Mexico bird-flu outbreak costs economy $50 mn

Published July 12, 2012

An outbreak of avian flu in the western state of Jalisco has claimed 2.5 million chickens and caused $50 million in losses, a representative of the Mexican poultry sector said Thursday.
"The industry will fail to produce $50 million, not only from the cost of the (dead) birds, but also from the intrinsic value of production, the generation of wealth and of indirect jobs in other fields," Cesar de Anda, vice chairman of the International Egg Commission, told Efe.
De Anda is part of an inter-institutional task force seeking solutions to the crisis spurred by the outbreak of the H7N3 virus in Jalisco, which accounts for 55 percent of Mexican egg output.
The latest report from Mexico's food safety agency, Senasica, says 2.5 million chickens have died of the flu or been slaughtered, while another 3.4 million birds are carriers of the virus.
Japan, the main.. http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/health/2012/07/12/mexico-bird-flu-outbreak-costs-economy-50-mn/

Viruses used in vaccines can recombine—and get virulent

Outbreaks of new herpesvirus in poultry traced back to merged vaccine strains
July 12 2012, 2:10pm

The first successful vaccines, like Jenner's smallpox vaccine and the first Salk vaccine against polio, were based on viruses that do not cause illness or severe symptoms. Vaccine development has since shifted largely to the use of proteins that are used by the disease-causing agents, but there are still some cases where a dead or attenuated virus is the most effective method of generating immunity.
The use of viruses for vaccines, however, has always come with a bit of a concern. When it comes to viruses, one-in-a-million events happen all the time, and evolution gives any viruses used in vaccines a lot to work with: many related viruses in the wild, and animal genomes that are littered with pieces of former viruses. Now, researchers have discovered a case where two different agricultural vaccines have recombined to create a new, virulent strain of the disease they were intended to prevent.
In poultry, a form of herpesvirus (gallid herpesvirus 1) causes a respiratory disease that is sometimes fatal; even if it doesn't kill the animals, it causes a reduced egg production. As a result, several vaccines have been developed against the virus responsible, based on attenuated forms that do not cause serious illness. Three of these vaccines are approved for use in Australia: two based on viral strains that are present in Australia, and a third developed against a strain common in Europe.

As these vaccines were introduced to the Australian poultry population, two previously unidentified viral strains (class 8 and 9) emerged. The timing of their appearance and some initial genetic characterization suggested they were relatives of the attenuated European virus used in the
http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/07/viruses-used-in-vaccines-can-recombine-and-get-virulent/

China Sends Medical Team to Treat Epidemic in Cambodia

2012-07-13 00:28:33                            

A Chinese medical team has been sent to Cambodia to aid in alleviation of an outbreak of EV71, an intestinal virus, the Ministry of Health said Thursday. The medical team arrived in Phnom Penh Thursday morning with medical supplies, the ministry said. The ministry was informed by the World Health Organization (WHO) that a number of children have been infected by EV71 in several provinces of Cambodia since April, the statement said. The Chinese team will assist Cambodian medical workers in analyzing the virus, treating patients, studying the epidemic and training local staff, the statement said. http://english.cri.cn/6909/2012/07/13/3241s711573.htm

Hand, foot and mouth disease cause of recent deaths in Cambodia – UN-backed inquiry

Good hygiene practice such as frequent washing of hands can prevent hand foot and mouth disease. UN Photo/Martine Perret

12 July 2012 –

A severe form of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) was the cause of the majority of recent illnesses and deaths in children reported in Cambodia, according to a joint investigation by the country’s Government and the United Nations released today. Following reports from a children’s hospital of unusual numbers of illnesses and deaths among children hospitalized since April 2012, the Cambodian Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, conducted an investigation which identified 78 cases of HFMD, 54 of which resulted in deaths.
HFMD is a common infectious disease of infants and children. It is spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva, or faeces of an infected person. It typically occurs in small epidemics in nursery schools or kindergartens, usually during the summer and autumn months. Nearly all patients recover in 10 days without medical treatment, and complications are uncommon.
“The investigation revealed that most of the cases were under three years old, with some suffering with chronic conditions and malnutrition,” WHO and the Ministry of Health said in a joint news release. “The cases were from 14 different provinces and many of them were given steroids at some point during their illness. Steroid use has been shown to worsen the condition of patients with EV-71 virus, which causes HFMD.”
In response to this event, Cambodian authorities, with support from WHO, have enhanced surveillance to identify symptoms of the disease and are developing guidelines and training courses for management of HFMD patients.
The Government is also working on a campaign to raise awareness on prevention, identification and care of children with HFMD.
The disease – which is not new in Cambodia – can be prevented with good hygiene. Frequent washing of hands with soap and water, especially after touching any blister or sore, before preparing food and eating, before feeding young infants, after using toilets and after cleaning children.http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=42460&Cr=children&Cr1=

Thailand says strain spreads to them

Deadly virus strain spreads to Thailand

• : 13/07/2012 at 01:29 AM
•  

Two cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have been detected in Surin following an outbreak in Cambodia which borders the northeastern province.

Deputy Public Health Minister Surawit Khonsomboon yesterday visited two children at Surin Hospital after they developed HFMD symptoms.

Doctors found the children were not in a severe condition. One is from Krasang district of Buri Ram and the other is from Surin's Muang district.

Mr Surawit said the HFMD outbreak in Cambodia has claimed the lives of more than 50 children, who were infected with Enterovirus Type 71 (EV-71), a dangerous strain.

The two HFMD-infected children in Surin were being quarantined at the public hospital to prevent the disease spreading, the deputy minister said.
Last year, six Thais died of HFMD.
Since January this year, a total of 10,813 people in Thailand have been infected with HFMD, but they were not infected with the EV-71 strain that claimed many lives in Cambodia. In Surin alone, a total of 40 HFMD cases have been reported this year.

The deputy minister said teams of health officials would be sent to border areas to check whether there were any more cases of HFMD.
He asked childcare centres and schools to close temporarily if up to five students were found to have caught the disease.
He said prevention measures have been put in place along the Thai-Cambodian border, particularly at Chong Chom permanent border checkpoint in Surin's Kap Choeng district.

He advised residents to wash their hands frequently as part of primary prevention. He instructed paediatricians at all hospitals, particularly in areas near the Thai-Cambodian border, to thoroughly examine diseases and health conditions of child patients.

Although there were HFMD infections in Thailand every year, the viral strains had not previously been dangerous, he said.  http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/302199/deadly-virus-strain-spreads-to-thailand

Philippines -DOH investigating 3 'HFMD' cases #EV71

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health said Thursday, July 12, it is investigating 3 suspected hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases to determine if they were caused by the Enterovirus 71 (EV-71) that was discovered in Cambodia...
Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag refused to divulge further details about the patients...http://www.rappler.com/nation/8502-d...g-3-hfmd-cases