ANTIQUE – From January 1, 2022, to March 26, 2022, up to 25 cases of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) have been registered in the province of Antique, based on the record of the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas.
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.
As a result, the Antique Provincial Health Office (APHO) has issued a public advisory to remind everyone to be conscious or ‘halong’ to prevent the spread of HFMD.
“Due to the recorded cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in our Province, the Antique Provincial Health Office, Public Health Program Unit together with the Antique Provincial Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response Unit and Health Promotion Unit are advising all to be alert to this disease,” part of the APHO advisory.
Here are the APHO posted symptoms of HFMD to make the public aware.
* Fever
* Painful throat
* Canker sores
* Red rashes on the hands, fingers, and foot
* Don’t feel like eating
* Muscles pain
* Irritability of your baby/child
To avoid HFMD, these steps must be followed.
* Wash your hands
* Avoid close contact with the person with HFMD
* Keep your home and surroundings clean
* Cover with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing./PN
