คร. เตือนผู้ปกครอง-สถานศึกษา เฝ้าระวังโรคติดต่อ ย้ำมาตรการสุขอนามัย ลดเสี่ยงการแพร่ระบาดในเด็ก – Hfocus.org

The Thai Department of Health has issued a formal advisory on May 11, 2026, urging parents and educational institutions to increase surveillance of communicable diseases among children. The warning emphasizes the immediate implementation of strict hygiene measures to mitigate the risk of outbreaks within schools, nurseries, and childcare centers.

Public health officials identified three primary areas of concern: influenza, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), and various diarrheal diseases. These infections often spread rapidly in environments where children congregate, making proactive screening and environmental sanitation critical to preventing widespread transmission.

Managing Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral infection that primarily affects infants and children under the age of five. According to health guidelines, the virus typically spreads through direct contact with nose and throat secretions, saliva, fluid from blisters, or feces of an infected person.

The Department of Health advises caregivers to monitor children for the appearance of small blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sores inside the mouth. These symptoms are often accompanied by a fever and a general loss of appetite.

To prevent the spread of HFMD in educational settings, the Department of Health recommends the frequent cleaning and disinfection of common areas and toys. Because the virus can persist on surfaces, using soap and water or appropriate disinfectants on shared equipment is essential to breaking the chain of infection.

Preventing Influenza and Respiratory Infections

Influenza remains a significant threat in group settings due to its highly contagious nature. The virus is transmitted via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face.

Health officials emphasize that early detection is key to managing influenza. Parents are encouraged to keep children home if they exhibit high fever, cough, sore throat, or muscle aches. This practice not only allows the child to recover more quickly but also protects other students and staff from exposure.

The advisory highlights the importance of respiratory etiquette, such as covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or the elbow when coughing. Maintaining good ventilation in classrooms is suggested as a method to reduce the concentration of viral particles in the air.

Controlling Diarrheal Diseases

Diarrheal diseases, often caused by bacteria or viruses such as rotavirus and norovirus, are frequently linked to contaminated food and water. In school settings, these infections can spread quickly if hand hygiene is neglected before meals or after using the restroom.

The Department of Health suggests a focus on the following hygiene standards to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal outbreaks:

• Ensuring all food provided to children is thoroughly cooked and served hot.
• Promoting the use of individual utensils and avoiding the sharing of cups or spoons.
• Enforcing strict handwashing protocols with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness in school kitchens and dining areas.

Institutional Responsibilities and Screening

Educational institutions are urged to establish a systematic screening process for all students upon arrival. This involves checking for fever and visible symptoms of HFMD or respiratory distress before children enter the classroom.

When a case of a communicable disease is detected, schools are expected to isolate the affected child immediately and notify the parents for medical consultation. If multiple cases appear within a single classroom, the Department of Health suggests that the institution may need to implement deeper cleaning protocols or coordinate with local health authorities to manage a potential cluster.

Staff members at these institutions are also encouraged to maintain their own health and hygiene, as they play a pivotal role in monitoring children and maintaining the sanitary environment required to keep the student population safe.

By combining vigilant screening with consistent hygiene practices, the Department of Health aims to lower the incidence of these common childhood illnesses and ensure a safer learning environment for students across the region.