THE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said the recent spike in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases does not imply a dangerous outbreak but is a result of improved case reporting.
“We cannot call this an outbreak,” said DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, explaining that 94 percent of the logged cases are still considered “suspect” and are not yet laboratory-confirmed.
As of Aug. 9, the latest DOH data showed HFMD cases reaching 37,368 — over seven times higher than the 5,081 cases during the same period last year.
Despite the increase, Domingo emphasized that HFMD is not fatal and usually resolves within 7 to 10 days.
But DOH urged the public to remain cautious, especially during the wet season when transmission of the viral infection is more likely., This news data comes from:http://xo-ip-hfd-qmcj.771bg.com
HFMD spreads through saliva, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, rashes, and painful sores on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth.
In an earlier report, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa noted that the disease is highly contagious among children, because they spend more time indoors in the rainy season, making transmission easier.
Rise in HFMD cases due to better reporting, not outbreak
While there is no specific cure, supportive treatment such as hydration, rest, and fever reducers can help patients recover faster.
- Customs preparing report on Discayas’ 28 luxury cars
- No winner in lotto draws for Aug 28
- NHA gives cash aid to families affected by calamity in Manila
- Malabon shifts garbage disposal to Rizal landfill after Navotas closure
- Escudero subpoenas 5 contractors, 3 DPWH executives to Senate probe
- DPWH to revisit budget, to complete revisions within 2 weeks
- House holds budget review with 21 civil society organizations
- Woman accused of murdering her children faces New Zealand trial
- International media protest over journalist deaths in Gaza
- Magnitude 5.3 earthquake rocks Dinagat Islands
