The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) has assured Negrenses that cases of hand, food and mouth disease (HFMD) in the province are manageable despite rising cases among young children.

In an interview on Thursday, July 17, Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan, provincial health officer, said since the cases reported are mostly among schoolchildren, they should be encouraged to do frequent handwashing to prevent transmission.

“We have an increase in reported cases. We still have cases, but these are manageable,” Pinongan said.

The latest PHO surveillance update showed that from January 1 to July 12, Negros Occidental recorded 1,111 cases, which is 346.11 percent higher compared to only 249 cases during the same period in 2024.

A total of 27 out of the 31 local government units (LGUs), excluding Bacolod City, have at least one case of HFMD.

The one to 10 age group recorded the highest number of cases.

The top 10 LGUs in number of cases are Bago City – 319; Cadiz City – 143; Victorias City – 86; Manapla – 73; La Carlota City – 61; Talisay City – 43; Pulupandan – 41; Cauayan – 40; and Toboso and Kabankalan City with 32 each.

In its advisory, the PHO urged Negrenses to help prevent the spread of HFMD by teaching children good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding touching their faces, and disinfecting shared items.

HFMD is a contagious viral infection commonly affecting young children characterized by sores in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet.

It is transmitted through droplets or direct contact with nasal discharges, saliva, feces, and fluid from the rashes of infected individuals.

Suspected and confirmed cases of HFMD are advised to isolate at home for seven to 10 days, or until their fever is gone, or their wounds are healed. (PNA)