ALARMING. Blistering is one of the symptoms of the highly-contagious hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). The Department of Health on Tuesday (March 7, 2023) expressed concern over rising cases of HFMD in Eastern Visayas, affecting mostly infants and children. (PNA file photo)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday expressed concern over rising cases of the highly-contagious hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Eastern Visayas this year, affecting mostly infants and children.
The department has recorded 116 HFMD cases from Jan. 1 to Feb. 25, way higher than the 22 cases logged during the same period last year.
The province of Leyte posted the highest number of cases with 51, followed by Southern Leyte with 45, Northern Samar with 11, Biliran with 6, Eastern Samar with 2, and Samar province with 1.
The majority of the infected persons are male and spanning from infants to 17 years of age, according to DOH.
“The HFMD is a highly contagious viral disease often affecting infants and children. Most HFMD cases are mild, self-limiting, and non-fatal but may progress to meningitis, encephalitis, and polio-like paralysis if left unmanaged,” the DOH 8 (Eastern Visayas) said in its advisory.
The disease is transmitted through contact with nose and throat discharges, the saliva of infected persons, and contaminated objects.
The DOH reiterated that HFMD cannot be contracted from animals and should not be confused with foot-and-mouth disease in cattle, sheep, and swine.
A person infected with HFMD suffers fever; sore throat; feeling of being unwell; painful, red, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums, and insides of the cheeks; red rash, without itching, but sometimes with blistering on the palms, soles, or the buttocks; irritability in infants and toddlers; and loss of appetite.
To prevent contracting HFMD, the DOH advises the public to perform mandatory washing of hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based sanitizers in all opportunities and occasions, especially in the hospital, household, and school settings.
Sharing personal items, such as spoons, cups, and utensils, is discouraged.
The public is also asked to observe minimum public health standards, such as physical distancing and using appropriate personal protective equipment, especially when symptoms are present, such as properly fitted face masks and gloves.
“Parents or guardians are advised to ensure that children with suspected, probable, or confirmed HFMD cases should remain at home, refrain from attending school, day-care facilities, or other face-to-face activities until such time that the patient is not exhibiting symptoms anymore, and strictly adhere to the advice of a health care provider,” the DOH added.
If symptoms persist beyond 10 days, patients are advised to seek medical consultation immediately, most especially if the symptoms become severe, or are accompanied by the nervous system and cardiorespiratory signs and symptoms. (PNA)
