CAPIZ – From Jan. 1 to May 21 of this year, 214 cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) were recorded in Capiz, data from the Provincial Health Office showed.
There were none in the same period last year.
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.
HFMD in Capiz has a 26.07 percent attack rate or the the risk of getting the disease during a specified period such as the duration of an outbreak.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States, one can help prevent catching or spreading HFMD by following simple steps.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items, including toys and doorknobs.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. You can get infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease if you have the virus on your hands and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
* Avoid touching someone who has hand, foot, and mouth disease, such as hugging or kissing them.
Apart from HFMD, dengue and bacterial meningitis are also leading notifiable diseases in the province.
As of May 21, the province logged 103 cases of dengue and 12 cases of bacterial meningitis.
This year’s cases of dengue in the province are -8.04 percent lower compared to the cases in the same period last year (112).
As for meningitis, 12 cases including one death have so far been reported this year – similar to last year’s.
Meanwhile, the province also recorded 11 cases of leptospirosis with two deaths; and three cases of human rabies who all died./PN
