HFMD continues to increase
Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have continued to rise over the past week, prompting the Department of Health (DOH) to ready coordination meetings with schools and local government units.
“The DOH is coordinating with local government units to strengthen the monitoring of HFMD cases in the regions,” the department said as it reported an additional 2,525 cases since Aug. 9.
“The DOH is also convening learning institutions to discuss measures to take for HFMD prevention and management in schools,” it added.
The department said the new cases from the total number of cases for the year to 39,893, from 37,368 cases recorded last Aug. 9.
The DOH said it recorded the most number of cases in Central Luzon, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Metro Manila and the Cordillera Administrative Region, mostly involving children aged 1 to 3 years old.
No vaccine has been approved for use in the Philippines, United States or Europe, but is a common and mild childhood disease that usually resolves itself in seven to 10 days.
HFMD is spread when infected saliva is transmitted by coughing, sneezing or speaking, according to the DOH.
It may also spread by touching the eyes, the nose or mouth. Symptoms include fever, canker sores, sore throat or blisters on the hands or the feet, the agency noted.
