ANTIQUE – Of Antique’s 18 towns, 13 already have cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), a common infection mostly in children characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.
From Jan. 1 to June 11, the Provincial Health Office recorded 255 cases in the following municipalities: Tobias Fornier (18), Barbaza (16), Sibalom (15), San Remigio (62), Culasi (60), Bugasong (19), Anini-y (12), San Jose (12), Tibiao (10), Belison (10), Hamtic (seven), Valderrama (six), and Caluya (six).
The five towns still HFMD-free are Laua-an, Libertad, Pandan, Patnongon, and Sebaste.
The PHO has listed the following measures to prevent HFMD:
* wash hands
* avoid close contact with persons with HFMD
* keep home and surroundings clean
* cover the mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing
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.
HFMD 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. (With a report from Radyo Bandera Sweet FM Antique)/PN
