KALIBO, Aklan – For the first quarter of this year, the province of Aklan confirmed 289 cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), a report by the Department of Health (DOH) said.
HFMD is a common infectious disease that occurs most often in children, according to the World Health Organization. In most cases, the symptoms are painful sores in the mouth, fever, and a rash with blisters on the feet, hands, and buttocks.
It is caused by viruses that spread to others through an infected person’s feces, fluid from blisters, and nose and throat secretions such as saliva, nasal mucus, or drool.
In a surveillance report, the DOH registered the most number of HFMD cases in Malinao with 86, followed by Libacao with 50, Kalibo (30), Tangalan (29), Numancia (28), Lezo (19), and Altavas (17) from January to March.
DOH also noted 11 cases in Madalag, nine cases in Malay, Balete with seven, and Makato had two cases and one from Nabas.
Two cases had been hospitalized, but already recovered.
The towns of Buruanga, New Washington, Batan, Banga and Ibajay have no HFMD cases.
Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) has been associated with cases and outbreaks in East and Southeast Asia.
To prevent catching or prevent HFMD, the public is advised to wash hands often with soap and water, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items including toys and doorknobs, and avoid close contact with sick people.
Most people with HFMD get better on their own in 7 to 10 days. There is no specific treatment for HFMD, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said./PN
