A number of cases on Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have been continuously rising in Mimaropa region as discussed by Regional Director Mario S. Baquilod of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Mimaropa in a Virtual Press Conference held recently.
In his opening statement, Baquilod pointed out that there were more than 700 cases of HFMD in the region this year as compared to a fewer number of cases in the previous year. He accounted for more than 200% increase in the number of cases of said disease.
Based on the report shown by Dr. Christy G. Andaya of DOH Mimaropa, from March 22 until June 18, 2022, they recorded a total number of 768 HMFD cases in the region. The province of Palawan got the highest number of cases with 570, followed by Romblon with 147, Oriental Mindoro with 24, Marinduque with 18 and Occidental Mindoro with only nine cases.
Andaya said victims of the disease are mostly males with 55% affectation whose ages ranged from two days to 31 years old. She also explained to the participants about the signs and symptoms of the disease like fever, rashes, pain, sore throat, ulcer, nausea and vomiting, LBM and even being irritable.
According to Mimaropa Center for Regional Epidemiology and Technology Enhancement, HFMD is caused by Enterovirus, a genus of positive-sense single stranded RNA viruses associated with several human and mammalian diseases.
Andaya further explained that the disease can be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, contact with contaminated objects, contact with feces. A manifestation of the disease can be observed if a person has blisters in the mouth or hands, and has sore throat, she added.
HMD complications can be classified into four stages such as Oral Ulcers, vesicular rash; CNS involvement (aseptic meningitis); Cardiopulmonary failure; and Convalescence.
To prevent the spread of said disease in the community, Andaya advised the affected individuals to seek consultation with the doctor, and not to go out if with symptoms. She also advise the practice of good hygiene; clean toys and floor; separate used plates, cups and utensils; and proper waste disposal. Frequent hand-washing and avoiding close contact with people who are affected with HFMD may help reduce the child’s risk of infection, the report said. (LTC/PIA-OrMin)
