DOH intensifies monitoring amid rise in HFMD cases

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

The DOH reminded parents and guardians to keep their children afflicted with mild cases of HFMD at home for at least seven to 10 days. (File Photo: Department of Health (Philippines)/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) is intensifying its monitoring of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as it recorded 2,525 new cases in the country between Aug. 9 and 16.

The latest figure brings to 39,893 the total HFMD cases in the country so far this year.

In its bulletin on Saturday, the agency said half of the cases are children aged 1 to 3 years old.

“Dahil dito, nakikipag-ugnayan na ang DOH sa mga local government units upang mapaigting ang pagmo-monitor ng mga kaso ng HFMD sa mga rehiyon (Because of this, the DOH is coordinating with local government units to intensify the monitoring of HFMD cases in the regions),” it said.

“Nakakasa na rin ang pagpupulong ng healthy learning institution ng DOH upang mapag-usapan ang mga hakbang na imumungkahing isagawa para sa HFMD prevention and management sa mga eskwelahan (The DOH’s healthy learning institution has also convened a meeting to discuss proposed measures for HFMD prevention and management in schools).”

HFMD is a contagious disease that spreads through saliva. It can also be contracted by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth after touching or holding objects contaminated with the virus.

Its symptoms are mild, including fever, coughs, colds, mouth sores, and blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks. However, this can lead to serious complications, such as meningitis and encephalitis, or swelling of the brain.

The DOH reminded parents and guardians to keep their children afflicted with mild cases of HFMD at home for at least seven to 10 days.

It also advised the public to practice regular and proper hand washing to prevent getting infected.