Bacolod City – Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson recently said that confirmed cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Negros Occidental “has not reached yet the outbreak level.”
Based on the latest report of the Provincial Health Office, Lacson also stressed that HFMD cases in the province “is not concentrated in one area alone, but spread out in many areas.”
As of Friday, they (PHO) are still not ready to declare an outbreak of HFMD. But they are closely monitoring the situation, the governor said.
As what I have said earlier, I will always be guided by our PHO, Lacson said.
This year, Negros Occidental logged 320 HFMD cases from January to February 4, an increase of 6,300 percent, compared to five infections during the same period in 2022.
On the other hand, the loilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) reported that 34 of its 43 towns and cities have confirmed cases of HFMD.
It recorded an increase of more than 2,000 percent of HFMD cases, over a period of one month, from 53 cases last year, to 1,115 infections this year.
Our numbers, are not like Iloilo right now, Lacson said.
HFMD is common among children under 10 years of age. 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.
Prevention of the disease includes proper hand washing, using alcohol, and avoiding the sharing of personal belongings, including towels, spoon, fork, cups and other utensils. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)