It seems to be tough time ahead of many countries across South East Asia as there are reports of spread of hand, foot and mouth disease, caused by the Enterovirus 71 (EV-71). It has been claimed that over 50 young children have lost their life till now due to the same since April.

In consequent to the same, officials in Cambodia ordered to close down kindergartens and primary schools so that the virus doesn’t spread further. Apart from Cambodia, Thailand reported 14,000 cases of the same virus infection, though there is no causality yet. Moreover, there are some 17 cases reported in China, though the worst affected is Cambodia.

“The WHO has been working with the ministry of health in Cambodia to identify the cause of what had been an unidentified disease”, said Timothy O’Leary, a regional spokesman for the WHO, based in Manila in the Philippines, while confirming that there is no vaccine as such for the virus, though maintaining a fair level of hygiene can make a significant difference.

There is dire need to make sure that safe level of hygiene is being kept under consideration by one and all to prevent the disease. A huge responsibility lies on health officials to make sure that the disease doesn’t spread beyond return.