ILOILO City – The City Health Office (CHO) recorded 307 cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) from Jan. 1 to Feb. 27.
Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, CHO Medical Officer IV, said of the 307 cases, 16 are still active and currently under home management while 291 already recovered.
Majority of the cases belong to the 1 to 10 years old age group, he said.
CHO data further showed Arevalo district has the highest number of cases with 113, followed by Mandurriao district (106), Sto. Rosario District Health Center (City Proper) (33), Lapuz and Molo districts (18 cases each), Tanza Health Center (15 cases), La Paz and Jaro I (two cases each), and Jaro II (one case).
Dr. June Frances Umani, CHO medical officer, cited the return of face-to-face classes for the increasing cases of HFMD where children or students have more interaction and direct contact with each other.
Umani said the number of cases for the first two months is higher compared to only five and 58 cases logged for the whole of 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Despite the surge in cases, Fortuna explained there is no criteria for the declaration of HFMD outbreak.
“Importante ang early consultation kay iya (HFMD) nga presentation, una is hilanat and then may rashes which are also similar to dengue. Kon pabay-an naton basi gali nagapinsar ta nga indi man lala ang HFMD pero ang ginabatyag gali sang bata naton is dengue,” Fortuna explained.
HFMD is a viral infection common in children under 10 years old. It is characterized by fluid-filled blisters appearing on the hands, feet and mouth with or without fever.
It is transmitted through droplets or direct contact with nasal discharges, saliva, feces, and fluid from the rashes of an infected individual.
Though the disease is very contagious, HFMD, just like any viral disease, is self-limiting and can be cured in seven to 10 days.
Meanwhile, with the aim to prevent the spread of the viral disease, Fortuna said the city’s medical officers at the district health centers have been going around the barangays and day care centers to conduct information drive especially among teachers and parents about HFMD and how to avoid it.
“Importante sini nga early mo nga makita, ma-isolate ang patient nga may ara symptoms. Sa mga teachers kon makita nila, ma-refer dayon sa aton mga health centers,” said Fortuna.
He added, for information drive, they are reaching out to several sectors such as schools.
It is important to conduct disinfections in schools and teach students to avoid sharing their things. Hand washing facility in every school is also emphasized.
“We still encourage the wearing of facemask kay isa sa mode of transmission of HFMD is the droplets,” Fortuna said./PN
