The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) recommended declaring outbreaks in several local government units which have reached the criteria for epidemics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

Data showed yesterday that HFMD cases in the province have increased by 6,300 percent in the first five weeks this year, compared to the number reported during the same period in 2022.

Cases have already reached 320 from January 1 to February 4, 2023.

“Cases increase when there is unabated transmission. This means proper isolation is not being practiced as everyone thinks it is just a simple itch on the hand and the foot,” Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang told reporters.

He noted it could be easily transmitted now that there is face-to-face interaction, especially among children in school.

In the fifth morbidity week this year alone, Negros Occidental logged 85 new cases.

The alert threshold is at three cases while the epidemic threshold is at five cases, according to the PHO. The PHO surveillance report showed that Kabankalan City has recorded the highest number of cases with 73, from zero cases last year, followed by Cadiz with 36, Bago (26), Silay (16), Sipalay (15), Talisay (14), Himamaylan (four), and Victorias and La Carlota (three each).

Cauayan has the most cases among the municipalities with 41, followed by Manapla (24), Valladolid (18), Binalbagan (15), Hinoba-an (11), Don Salvador Benedicto (seven), Hinigaran (six), and Pulupandan (four).

Most of the cases are children below 10 years old, considering that HFMD is a common infectious illness among young children, but it can also affect adults.

Signs and symptoms include sore throat, fever, painful ulcers or blisters in the hands and feet, and sometimes the thighs and buttocks. (PNA)