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.
Rise in HFMD cases due to better reporting, not outbreak
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.
HFMD spreads through saliva, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces., This news data comes from:http://www.redcanaco.com
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, rashes, and painful sores on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth.
Rise in HFMD cases due to better reporting, not outbreak
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.
While there is no specific cure, supportive treatment such as hydration, rest, and fever reducers can help patients recover faster.
- Suspect in 2012 killing of Dutch aid worker freed
- New law lets foreigner investors lease land for 99 years
- US church shooter 'obsessed with idea of killing children'
- MMDA inks deal with DBM for G-3 program
- Supreme Court urged to act on fake complaints
- Some areas in Metro Manila, 5 provinces to have power interruptions due to maintenance works
- 2 Marikina policemen accused of molestation
- Malacañang calls plot to jail VP Duterte 'wild imagination'
- NHA gives cash aid to families affected by calamity in Manila
- US senators to reinforce 'partnership' with Taiwan
