• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Negros Occidental rose to 2,155 in the past eight months compared to only 267 cases during the same period in 2024, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Cases increased by 707.12 percent, but not a single fatality has been reported.
Age group with the most number of cases is one to 10 years old.
A total of 120 HFMD cases were also recorded by the City Health Office in Bacolod City.
Bago City recorded the most number of cases at 474, followed Cadiz City – 246, La Carlota City – 149, E.B. Magalona – 122, Escalante City – 118, Victorias City – 107, Pulupandan – 98, Sipalay City – 92, and Manapla – 81.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), HFMD is spread when infected saliva is transmitted by coughing, sneezing or speaking and may also spread by touching the eyes, the nose or mouth.
Symptoms include fever, canker sores, sore throat or blisters on the hands or the feet.
To prevent HFMD from spreading, the DOH urges the public to practice diligent handwashing with soap and water, disinfect frequently touched surfaces and toys, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and keep infected children home from school or daycare while they have symptoms. | GB
