DOH: No hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreak, but cases rising

The Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday that cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) are increasing in Metro Manila, but there is no declaration of an outbreak yet for such.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire made the clarification after concerns were raised regarding the rising number of HFMD cases in certain areas.

She said there were 155 HFMD cases recorded in the National Capital Region (NCR) from October to December 6, and most of them are children aged 11 and below.

She also pointed out that there were no deaths reported during the period.

“We are seeing an increase in cases kapag tinignan natin for these past weeks ng hand, foot, and mouth disease, pero wala pa tayong trigger o wala pa tayong enough basis for our local governments to declare outbreaks in their areas,” Vergeire said at a press conference.

(We are seeing an increase of HFMD cases when we look at it in these past weeks, but we don't have a trigger yet or we don't have enough basis for our local governments to declare outbreaks in their areas.)

“These are all manageable and preventable,” she added.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HFMD is a common infectious disease that most often affects children. Its common symptoms include fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet and buttocks. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News