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, This news data comes from:http://www.gangzhifhm.com
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.
While there is no specific cure, supportive treatment such as hydration, rest, and fever reducers can help patients recover faster.
Rise in HFMD cases due to better reporting, not outbreak
- Bersamin letter proves Torre reassignments ‘valid’
- Discaya’s construction companies competed against each other during biddings
- Undersea cables cut in the Red Sea, disrupting internet access in Asia and the Mideast
- Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce engaged
- PNP disputes China's crime advisory, says Philippines crime rate dropped
- Zelenskyy meets European leaders on Ukraine security guarantees
- LTO summons driver who berated MMDA enforcer
- DPWH told to build evacuation centers
- Israel army urges Gaza City residents to leave
- Hontiveros pushes P15,000 salary hike for teachers
