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.
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.
Rise in HFMD cases due to better reporting, not outbreak
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, rashes, and painful sores on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth.
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., This news data comes from:http://kcgydlvt.705-888.com
While there is no specific cure, supportive treatment such as hydration, rest, and fever reducers can help patients recover faster.
- Mayor Sotto slams Discayas, cites lies, ghost firms, and kickback allegations
- Fewer Chinese ships seen in Ayungin Shoal
- Typhoon death toll rises in Vietnam as downed trees hamper rescuers
- Modi: India, Japan to 'shape the Asian century'
- Monsoon rains flood Mandaluyong, Parañaque — MMDA
- Suspect in 2012 killing of Dutch aid worker freed
- Aftershocks rumble quake-hit Afghanistan as death toll tops 1,400
- 3 Luzon dams release water
- Rubio says US warned France on Israel annexation moves
- Bonoan freezes DPWH travel passes
