Negros Occidental mulls HFMD outbreak declaration

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The provincial government of Negros Occidental is considering the declaration of an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease after logging an increase of 6,300 percent in HFMD cases.

Describing the figure as alarming, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said he is most likely to support a recommendation of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) to declare an HFMD outbreak in several local government units (LGUs) in the province.

“Since the PHO is in a position to recommend an outbreak declaration, I may have to follow its judgment,” Lacson said.

Health officials in the province logged 320 HFMD cases from January to Feb. 4, or an increase of 6,300 percent from five infections recorded during the same period last year.

Health officer Ernell Tumimbang said the increase showed that the disease can spread easily, particularly now that face-to-face classes and interactions among children have resumed.

HFMD is common among children aged five years and below, although anyone can get infected. Although HFMD is contagious, the illness is not serious.

Lacson said the declaration of an HFMD outbreak would encourage LGUs and health officials to exert more effort in raising awareness and controlling the spread of the disease.

He said the Department of Education in Negros Occidental should be informed that children are the most vulnerable to HFMD.

Symptoms include fever, mouth sores and blisters in the hands, feet and buttocks.

Severe symptoms such as meningitis, encephalitis and polio may also occur, the PHO said.

Lacson said he would first consult with the PHO as he has yet to receive its letter-request for the declaration of an outbreak.

The PHO reported that Kabankalan logged the most number of HFMD cases with 73.

No cases were recorded in Kabankalan last year.