ILOILO City – Cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) in Western Visayas has already reached 2,350 as of Feb. 4.
The figure, based on the data released by the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6, is 1,680 percent higher compared to the 132 cases logged in the same period last year.
Airene B. Legarda, program coordinator of the DOH-6’s Regional Food and Water-borne Diseases (FWBD), said from Jan. 1 to Feb. 4, the province of Iloilo recorded the highest cases of HFMD at 1,132, followed by Negros Occidental (331), Antique (240), Guimaras (162), Capiz (156), Iloilo City (154), Aklan (143), and Bacolod City (32).
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.
Legarda said one of the possible factors for the significant increase in the number of cases this year is the return of the normal way of living such as the conduct of face-to-face classes where the younger age group is the most exposed to the environment.
“Naga-amat- amat na kita balik sa aton normal ukon pre-pandemic bala naton nga panggawi. Ang aton mga kabataan expose naman sila sa environment,” said Legarda.
She added that hygiene is also another factor. Thus, she stressed the importance of practicing minimum public health standards.
Though the disease is very contagious, Legarda said that just like any viral disease it is self-limiting and can be cured in seven to 10 days.
However, she said that if left unmanaged, it could progress into severe HFMD which may affect the central nervous system of an individual. But this case is very rare.
Prevention of the disease includes proper hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol and avoiding sharing of personal belongings which include towels, spoon, fork, cups, and other utensils.
It is also important to use personal protective equipment such as facemask or gloves especially if one is taking care of patients with HFMD./PN
