A 548-PERCENT increase in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were recorded by the Department of Health–Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR).

Karen Lonogan, DOH-CAR senior health officer, said they recorded 259 cases this year compared to 40 cases in the same period last year.

She said this was brought about by the erratic change in the weather in the region.

“We would like to inform the public that hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is not the same as HFMD cases that comes from hogs or pigs,” Lonogan explained.

HFMD is a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children characterized by sores in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet commonly caused by a coxsackievirus.

“We are very lucky that we have mild form of entero-virus which we see here in our region. What we are monitoring here is the severe form of entero-virus 71 which can cause neurological signs and symptoms leading to death but so far we still have no such cases,” Lonogan stated.

Mountain Province had the most cases particularly in Paraselis, followed by San Roque Barangay in Baguio City wherein a school had to suspend classes.

“We remind the public to adhere to the practice of proper hand washing which is a universal precaution against viruses,” Lonogan added.

The regional Health department is presently studying the cause of the increase in cases in Mountain Province.