Upsurging cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease fear barakos

BY: JASMINE G. SILVOSA

OnOctober 18, 2022, an epidemiological investigation was conducted by the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) regarding the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) upsurge in San Pascual, Batangas.

Municipal Administrator Atty.

Sherwin Barola declared that out of 100 students afflicted by the disease in San Pascual, 56 of them are experiencing fever and 49 had contracted HFMD. The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) publicized that children aged 1 to 16 years old are vulnerable to this type of disease.

In accordance with this, Mayor Antonio Dimayuga, implied temporary suspension of classes towards daycare to grade 3 students in eight barangays that are affected by the increasing cases of the disease from October 18 to 21, 2022.

“Maaari itong ma-transmit through droplets. Ang secretions din ng isang tao ay maaring mahawa pa ang isang tao. Maaari itong mag resulta sa lesions sa bibig, kamay at paa. At pag bukas iyan, maaari ring makapanghawa.” Maria Rosario Vergeire, Health Officer-In-Charge said in a media forum.

“Ang komplikasyon po ng HFMD, although hindi siya common, nagkakaroon ng meningitis, encephalitis, or poliolike paralysis” Vergeire stated.

The official also said that lack of knowledge and understanding among parents may have also contributed to the spread of the virus.

Evidence suggests serving as proof that this viral infection is caused by the Coxsackie virus. Fever, sore throat, and small blister-like outbreaks in the mouth, on the hands, and on the feet are signs of HFMD - children who have these symptoms may encounter difficulties while eating or drinking.

The treatment for HFMD is not specific but good personal hygiene, regular cleaning, and disinfecting the frequently touched surfaces, and avoiding contact with someone who already has the disease can reduce risk of infection.

“Dahil belong ako sa age group na madalas tamaan ng ganoong sakit. Nakakatakot din because maraming bata sa amin na baka may symptoms na.” Gian Ross C. Evangelista, Junior High School student said.

This concerned the student since he lives close to a location where HFMD deteriorated and he could potentially become infected.

“Kasi yung katabing barangay namin is may active cases nung sakit. Tapos lagi pa akong nakiki salamuha sa mga bata and baka may HFMD na nga sila kasi may mga cases nun sa elementary school dito samin.” Evangelista added.

Samples had been submitted to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for an active case-finding process according to Regional Director for Department of Health (DOH) Calabarzon, Ariel I. Valencia.

“We assure the public that the DOH, together with the Municipality of San Pascual, are on top of the situation. Bukod po sa pagtukoy natin ng source ng pagkalat ng HFMD sa lugar ay inaalam na rin po natin ang mga karagdagang assistance na kailangan sa lugar.” Valencia expressed.

Moreover, the DOH has already provided supplies of disinfectants to sanitize the affected school and handed out educational materials about HFMD to keep the community aware of its transmission and take the necessary precautions against the disease.