AT LEAST 689 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have been recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) Cordillera from January to November 2019, as compared to 66 cases in 2018.
Dr. Jeniffer Joyce Pira, Medical Officer IV of the DOH Center for Health, said the increase in the HFMD cases may vary, but she recommended the practice of good sanitation and hygiene especially for toddlers.
“The big increase could vary from among cases, so one of which is on sanitation, hygiene among children because usually those affected by diphtheria are kids. So how we take care our children is one of the factors for them not to acquire diphtheria aside from how we keep our environment is another, which is why we should not allow children to crawl on the floor if we do not clean the child after crawling on the floor,” Pira said.
HFMD is a common infection caused by a group of viruses. It typically begins with a fever and feeling generally unwell, followed a day or two later by flat discolored spots or bumps that may blister on the hands, feet and mouth and occasionally buttocks and groin.
Signs and symptoms normally appear three to six days after exposure to the virus. The rash generally resolves on its own in about a week.
Fingernail and toenail loss may occur a few weeks later, but they will regrow with time.
“There are those who do not encourage hand washing before they eat after playing which is another factor. There are other reasons why this have gone up. The number of cases are within the ages of toddlers who are crawlers until 5 years of age,” Pira added.
The viruses causing HFMD are spread through close personal contact, through the air from coughing and the feces of an infected person.
Contaminated objects can also spread the disease. Coxsackievirus A16 is the most common cause, and enterovirus 71 is the second-most common cause.
Other strains of coxsackievirus and enterovirus can also be responsible.
Some people may carry and pass on the virus despite having no symptoms of disease. Other animals are not involved.
Diagnosis can often be made based on symptoms with occasionally a throat or stool sample being tested for the virus.
The health official said there is no antiviral medication or vaccine is available, but development efforts are underway. Most cases require no specific treatment.
Simple pain medication such as ibuprofen or numbing mouth gel may be used.
Occasionally, intravenous fluids are given to children who are unable to drink enough. Rarely, viral meningitis or encephalitis may complicate the disease.