DOH probes HFMD outbreak in Batangas

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine the source of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak in San Pascual, Batangas.

DOH-Calabarzon regional director Ariel Valencia said active case finding has started.

He said specimens were sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine to determine the causative agent and help in the clinical management of the disease.

The DOH logged 105 cases with clinical symptoms of HFMD from Sept. 26 to Oct. 16. Forty-nine of the cases were classified as suspect HFMD.

Most of the cases are children aged one to 16 and mostly male.

A majority are students and residents of Barangays Pook ng Kapitan, Sambat, Natunuan North, Poblacion, Pook ni Banal, San Antonio, Resplandor, Antipolo, Mataas na Lupa, Palsahingin and Alalum.

Mayor Antonio Dimayuga suspended classes from daycare to Grade 3 this week to conduct disinfection of schools.

The DOH provided disinfection solutions and distributed materials about HFMD to keep the community aware of its transmission and take the necessary precautions.

HFMD is a contagious viral infection that commonly affects young children and is characterized by sores in the mouth and rashes on hands and feet.

It is transmitted through droplets or direct contact with nasal discharges, saliva, feces and fluid from the rashes of an infected person.

Health authorities stressed the need for frequent handwashing, wearing of face mask and covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of the disease.

Batangas second district Rep. Gerville Luistro urged DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire to speed up the investigation to contain the outbreak.

“The outbreak of HFMD is alarming, especially since face-to-face classes have just started after two years of virtual classes,” he said. – Arnell Ozaeta, Sheila Crisostomo