New case of Enterovirus 71 found

MANILA (2nd Update, 2:38 p.m.) -- The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed a new case of Enterovirus 71 (EV-71) in the country.

DOH said a five-year-old boy in Benguet has shown symptoms of the enterovirus and was later found positive for EV-71, a more virulent strain of enterovirus.

This is the second case since a one-year-old boy from Davao City was found positive for the same virus.

EV-71 causes diarrhea; rashes; and hand, foot and mouth disease; and is sometimes associated with severe central neurological disease. The virus, which was earlier tagged as a "mystery disease" in Cambodia, caused the deaths of 52 children there.

Based on the details of the case, the official said the boy from Davao had developed fever and rashes on his hands, soles of feet, mouth and buttocks last July 6.

He was brought for consultation at a local health facility but was subsequently sent home and has since recovered very well.

Meanwhile, the health department strongly urged the public to always maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness as this would be the best way to prevent the virus.

"Prevention relies on individual personal hygiene and hand washing; shared toys or teaching tools in daycare should be cleaned, washed and disinfected as they easily become contaminated," Health Secretary Enrique Ona said. (Sunnex)