HFMD virus tested for mutation
PM and doctors warn against health panic
- Published: 23 Jul 2012 at 00.00
- Newspaper section: News
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.
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