Number of HFMD cases doubles — DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The number of patients infected with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in the country has doubled, the Department of Health (DOH) reported over the weekend.

Data from the DOH Epidemiology Bureau showed the cases increased by 286 percent during the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2016.

From January to Sept.  2, 2,038 HFMD cases were recorded nationwide. The figure was way higher than last year’s 527 cases.

Like last year, only one death has been reported.

Children aged one to four years accounted for more than half of the cases at 68 percent or a total of 1,403.

Data also showed that 57 percent of the patients were males.

Among the regions, Western Visayas posted the highest number of cases with 520, followed by Metro Manila with 262 and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) with 229.

Although the Caraga region registered fewer infections, it posted the largest surge in cases with 7,050 percent, followed by Cagayan Valley with 1,200 percent and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), 1,020 percent.

“There is an increase in the number of reported cases in all regions,” the DOH said.

The World Health Organization said HFMD is a common infectious disease among infants and children.

Patients with HFMD suffer from fever, mouth sores, and rashes and blisters in the hands, feet and buttocks.

The infection usually begins with a fever, poor appetite, malaise and sore throat.

Health experts urged the public to observe proper hygiene to avoid getting infected.