Bago City has most HFMD cases in NegOcc

BACOLOD City – Bago City has reported the highest number of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in the province of Negros Occidental.

According to the Morbidity Week 9 report of the Provincial Health Office, which covers from January 1 to March 2, 2024, Bago City recorded 39 cases, leading the top 10 areas with the highest incidence of HFMD in the province.

Following closely behind is Cauayan with 30 cases, Talisay City with 16, Toboso with 13, Cadiz City with 12, Don Salvador Benedicto with 11, Sipalay City with eight, Kabankalan City with seven, and the cities of San Carlos and La Carlota with six.

These bring the total number of suspected HFMD cases in the province to 171, with children aged zero to 10 years old being the most affected.

It is notable that 20 of the 31 l ocal government units in Negros Occidental have reported at least one suspected case of HFMD, indicating the widespread nature of the disease.

HFMD is a viral illness commonly affecting infants a nd c hi l dren, c a using symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and a characteristic rash on the hands, feet, and mouth.

Other symptoms include painful, blister- like lesions on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks, or a rash on the palms, soles, and sometimes the buttocks. Depending on skin tone, the rash may appear red, white, or gray, or only show as tiny bumps. Fussiness and loss of appetite could also be observed in infants and toddlers.

HFMD can spread through close personal contact, respiratory droplets, or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

To combat the spread of HFMD, the Provincial Health Office of Negros Occidental is advising the public to practice good hand hygiene, regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces, and avoid close contact with i ndividuals who are infected.

Additionally, parents and caregivers are encouraged to monitor their children for symptoms of HFMD and seek medical attention if necessary./