DOH logs over 7,000 hand, foot, and mouth disease cases

Metro Manila, Philippines — More than 7,000 hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases have been recorded nationwide from January 1 to February 22 this year, the Department of Health (DOH) revealed Sunday.

According to the department, the 7,598 total case record is three times higher than the 2,665 cases logged in the same period last year.

The agency said an estimated 52% of the HMFD cases were recorded from Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Metro Manila, and Cordillera Autonomous Region.

Of the total cases, 4,225 consisted of children below 4 years old while 2,069 cases included children ages 5 to 9.

DOH defines HFMD as an infectious disease that is spread through saliva and can be spread from one individual to another via contact through objects contaminated with the virus.

While HFMD cases are mild, some severe symptoms include fever, cough, boils, mouth ulcers, and blisters on hands, feet, and buttocks.More serious complications include meningitis and encephalitis or inflammation of the brain.

To curb the still rising cases, the DOH advised the public to wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds and avoid close contact with those infected.

The department also urged those infected to remain isolated and avoid going to school or work for 7 to 10 days or just until the sores have dried and the fever is gone.

The agency said cutlery and other personal equipment of the infected person should also be isolated and the area where the patient stayed should be disinfected after the recommended isolation.