It may sound like the deadly hoof, foot, and mouth disease affecting livestock such as cattle but the Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) that affects humans is just as dangerous and it is spreading.
The Department of Health (DOH) warned of a potential HFMD outbreak with cases being discovered in Central Luzon, the MIMAROPA region, the Cordillera Autonomous Region, and Metro Manila.
In all, cases have been detected in 45 provinces and highly urbanized cities.
At the end of February this year, the number of cases was 52 percent higher compared to the same period last year.
Almost 7,600 cases have been logged by the DOH thus far, and there has been no perceived slowdown in its spread.
HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection that usually strikes young children.
For now, the Health department is not yet ready to declare a full-blown outbreak.
“The numbers…remain below the alert and epidemic thresholds based on the two-year average,” the DOH said in a statement.
Health Sec. Teodoro Herbosa also said, “HFMD is rarely fatal and usually resolves on its own but it spreads easily.”
HFMD is common among children but it can also affect adults. The virus can be easily passed to other people through saliva droplets after an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks.
The virus can also be spread when a person touches their eyes, nose, or mouth after handling contaminated objects.
To prevent contracting the disease, Herbosa advised the public to wash their hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, blowing their nose or using the toilet.
He added that people should avoid close contact with infected persons, such as hugging or kissing them.
“Seek medical attention at the nearest health center if symptoms occur,” said the Health chief.
The most common symptoms are fever, cough, mouth sores and blisters on the hands, feet and buttocks.
At worst, the virus can lead to more severe complications such as meningitis and encephalitis or inflammation of the brain, which could prove fatal if not treated early.
Whether suspected or confirmed for HFMD, persons should stay at home and avoid attending school or going to work.
Patients should stay isolated for seven to 10 days, or until the fever subsides and all sores have dried up.
After the recommended period, all the utensils and personal items used by the infected individuals should be separated and their surroundings disinfected.
The latest DOH figures show a total of 7,598 cases of HFMD recorded nationwide for the period from January 1 to February 22. This is nearly three times higher than the 2,665 cases recorded for the same period last year.
Of the identified patients, 52 percent were from Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, Cordillera Autonomous Region, and Metro Manila. Four out of five of the total cases were children with 56 percent or 4,225 cases, aged four years old and below, while 27 percent or 2,069 were aged five to nine years old.
