By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) is raising alarms after documenting a continued rise in communicable diseases, with a combined 246 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and typhoid fever recorded this year.
Based on the latest CHO report, HFMD cases in the city have climbed to 156, affecting young children aged one to 10.
Barangay Estefania recorded the highest number of cases with 19, followed by Tangub with 16, Villamonte with 15, Singcang with 11, and Mansilingan and Cabug with 10 each.
Other barangays with noted infections include Sum-ag and Pahanocoy with nine cases each, Granada with eight, Banago with seven, and Taculing and Vista Alegre with six.
No fatalities have been reported.
The CHO advises parents to reinforce proper handwashing; limit children’s contact with their eyes, nose and mouth; sanitize frequently touched items; and seek immediate consultation at health centers once symptoms appear.
HFMD is a highly contagious illness that commonly affects children aged five and below. Symptoms include fever, cough, mouth sores, and skin rashes.
90 typhoid fever cases
Bacolod has also recorded 90 cases of typhoid fever from January 1 to October 25, marking a 30.4 percent increase compared to last year’s 69 cases, which included one fatality.
The barangays with confirmed cases are Mansilingan, Handumanan, Mandalagan, Bata, Taculing, Estefania, Tangub, Pahanocoy, Villamonte, and Sum-ag.
According to the CHO, typhoid fever — also known as “tipus” — is commonly acquired by consuming contaminated food or water containing Salmonella typhi bacteria.
Health authorities stress the importance of washing hands with clean water after using the toilet and before eating, drinking safe and clean water; consuming properly cooked food; covering food to avoid contamination from flies and pests; and thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, especially those eaten raw.
With both HFMD and typhoid fever affecting multiple communities in the city, the CHO emphasizes that “prevention begins at home.”
Residents are encouraged to maintain good hygiene, monitor early symptoms, and seek prompt medical attention to help prevent further spread of these illnesses./CJ, WDJ