ILOILO City – Western Visayas logged 475 cases of hand-foot-mouth-disease (HFMD) from January to March 26 this year. This is a sharp rise from the 13 cases recorded in the same period in 2021, according to the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6.
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.
According to Dr. Jocelyn Te, medical coordinator for heat and waterborne diseases of DOH-6, Aklan province so far has the most number of cases at 196 followed by Capiz with 148.
But she played down the rise in cases, pointing out that while the disease is contagious, it is self-limiting or can be cured in seven to 10 days.
A case can only be considered serious if it has secondary infection which very rarely happens and Region 6 has not recorded any yet, Te stressed.
No case has been hospitalized and no deaths have been recorded.
Other HFMD cases were recorded in Iloilo province (87), Antique (25), Iloilo City (seven), Guimaras (five), Negros Occidental (four), and Bacolod City (three).
While HFMD cases are observed to surge during the summer season, the disease occurs sporadically throughout the year.
Te said the disease can easily be contracted from unclean surroundings. Kids, most especially, can get it if they are fond of playing outside and exchange toys with playmates.
In the region, the age group with most number of cases is below five years old, with a nine-month old as the youngest case.
The oldest HFMD case, on the other hand, is 25 years old.
Those exhibiting HFMD symptoms better see the doctor right away, said Te, so they could be properly guided on how to manage their disease.
How can HFMD be avoided?
Maintaining personal hygiene is the key, said Te.
“Kinanglan we have to keep our hands clean always…before and after eating, after using the toilet…back to basics kita,” Te stressed.
As much as possible, avoid sharing personal things like towels, especially among kids.
The DOH regional office is also distributing education and information materials about HFMD and how to avoid it.
Local government units, through their municipal health offices, are also urged to strengthen their surveillance, monitoring and awareness campaign on the disease./PN
