Bulacan HFMD cases, amoebiasis in San Carlos increasing

MANILA, Philippines — Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Bulacan and amoebiasis in San Carlos, Negros Occidental have been increasing.

The Bulacan provincial health office reported that 224 HFMD cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to Feb. 4.

Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando reminded parents to monitor symptoms of the disease, which is common among children aged zero to five.

Symptoms include fever, mouth sores and blisters in the hands, feet and buttocks.

The public is advised to wash their hands, use protective equipment if taking care of animals, immediately isolate those with symptoms, disinfect their surroundings and strengthen their immune system to avoid contracting the disease.

The Department of Health (DOH) had earlier said an outbreak of HFMD may be declared any time as cases of the highly infectious illness continue to surge in various regions.

Although HFMD is contagious, health experts said the disease is not serious.

In San Carlos City, Mayor Renato Gustilo, citing reports from the San Carlos City Hospital said cases of amoebiasis and acute gastroenteritis rose to 268 from February to March 1.

Eighty of the patients are being treated in the hospital.

Adriano Subaan, regional director of the DOH-Western Visayas office, said a team from the DOH main office is arriving to augment health personnel.

Last week, Gustilo issued a state of health emergency in the city due to the increase in amoebiasis cases. – Gilbert Bayoran