A drastic spread of the highly-contagious Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is gripping several barangays in Roxas, Palawan as the Provincial Health Office (PHO) confirms 52 children have been infected.
“Based sa initial report done, mayroon tayong 52 cases of children with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease,” Dr. Justine Barbosa from the PHO said during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session today, March 28.
This prompted the members of the PHO to take drastic measures to contain the spread, including the immediate disinfection of all elementary schools in the town.
“Once reported itong 52 cases nila, nagpakuha na tayo ng sample sa med-tech yesterday, at dadalhin sa PHO ‘yung orang oropharyngeal sample for sending out naman sa RITM tomorrow morning,” Barbosa said.
She added that it will take two weeks for the confirmatory results to arrive from the RITM.
Barbosa said that the PHO’s Health Promotion Programs have also been activated down to the barangay level.
Board Member Ma. Angela Sabando said that according to the Rural Health Office (RHO) of Roxas, the highly-contagious diseases started in a child from Barangay Nicanor Zaballa and quickly transferred into Barangay Magara.
“Nag-start lang daw ‘yun sa isang bata sa Nicanor Zaballa. And then from there, nag-transfer na siya sa iba’t-ibang barangay. Mayroon kaming data from Roxas galing sa iba’t-ibang barangay,” Sabando said.
Barbosa said that HFMD is a common viral illness in infants and children.
The disease spreads by contact with nose and throat discharges, the saliva of infected persons, and/or touching contaminated objects. Sabando said that people infected with HFMD can spread the virus to others when they cough or sneeze. One can also get the disease if the individual comes into contact with an infected person’s blister fluid or feces (poop).
Barbosa said that the virus can stay for a couple of days or weeks depending on the infected person’s immune system. She said the risk of being infected can be lessened by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, disinfecting surfaces and items, and avoiding close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with infected people.
Barbosa said that currently, no specific treatment can be recommended aside from relieving the symptoms (fever and sore throat) directly and dehydrated patients are usually given fluids and electrolytes.
Barbosa reminded those with symptoms to stay at home to avoid possibly infecting others and the public to observe personal hygiene, take baths and always wash hands.
HFMD is caused by the Coxsackie virus, the disease primarily affects infants and children, but can also occur in adults.
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and small blister-like eruptions in the mouth and on the hands and feet. These blisters can cause pain and make it difficult for children to eat or drink.