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.
Rise in HFMD cases due to better reporting, not outbreak
HFMD spreads through saliva, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces.
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.
Rise in HFMD cases due to better reporting, not outbreak
While there is no specific cure, supportive treatment such as hydration, rest, and fever reducers can help patients recover faster., This news data comes from:http://oxe-gk-bsdp-imkn.705-888.com
- Read to reduce sentence, Uzbekistan tells prisoners
- Preliminary report on Lisbon funicular accident expected
- New DPWH chief Dizon: "A department can't investigate itself"
- HFMD cases on the rise
- Fears of new political crisis grip France
- India will not 'bow down,' trade minister says after US tariffs
- DoJ to begin preliminary investigation into missing cockfighting enthusiasts
- PH to see ‘blood moon’ Sept. 7-8
- South Korean prosecutors indict Yoon's wife, former PM
- Marcos willing to submit to a lifestyle check
