Quezon City has reported a staggering 201 percent spike in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases.
The Quezon City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (QC-ESU) recorded 268 new cases of HFMD from Sept. 29 to Oct. 26 or an average of 67 cases per week.
Statistics showed that 74 percent of the cases involved children between the ages of zero to four years old. By gender, 163 (61 percent) were boys, while 105 (39 percent) were girls.
The surge in HFMD cases has raised serious concerns among health officials.
“The current rise of cases is beyond the epidemic threshold, that is above the expected increased rate of cases in the coming weeks,” the QC-ESU said in its report.
So far, no fatalities have been reported.
Specific areas within Quezon City that have been hit include Barangay Commonwealth and Barangay San Antonio, which reported 16 cases each, with Barangay Veterans Village following closely with 15 cases. Barangay Tandang Sora recorded 10 cases, while Barangay Apolonio Samson and Barangay Holy Spirit both registered 9 cases each.
In response to the surge in cases, the QC-ESU has advised the public to take the necessary precautions, including maintaining proper hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and disinfecting common areas. The public is also advised to teach children respiratory etiquette, dispose of diapers correctly and seek prompt medical advice if any symptoms are observed.
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Highly contagious
According to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HFMD typically runs its course in 5 to 7 days without specific treatment. Early symptoms mimic those of a common cold, including fever, headache, sore throat, and runny nose. Approximately one or two days after the onset of fever, small sores (ulcers) appear on the throat and tonsils. Shortly after, a rash of tiny blisters or red spots emerges on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and diaper area. Unlike other rashes, these are usually not itchy. Tenderness or pain when touching the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, along with poor appetite due to painful swallowing, are common symptoms.
HFMD is a highly contagious viral illness that commonly affects infants and children below the age of five. Most HFMD cases are mild, self-limiting, and nonfatal but may progress to meningitis, encephalitis and polio-like paralysis if left unmanaged.
There is no targeted treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease.