AN infectious disease expert yesterday said an outbreak of the hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) may be declared if more cases are reported in more regions in the country and if hospitals are full of such patients.
Dr. Rontgene Solante, during a public briefing, said while more than a hundred cases each have been reported in several regions, including Metro Manila, it is not enough to qualify as an outbreak.
“At this point, iyong 155 cases ay hindi pa masasabi nating need to declare (an) outbreak. Isang component na ma-ideklara iyong outbreak kung talagang laganap na iyong infection na hindi lang sa National Capital Region kung hindi sa ibang kalapit na region sa National Capital Region (At this point, the 155 cases do not mean we need to declare an outbreak. One component to declare an outbreak is if the infection is already widespread not just in the National Capital Region but also in surrounding regions),” he said.
He said other factors to be considered in declaring an outbreak is if the number of cases documented is already more than 100 percent higher than the same cases recorded last year, and if hospitals are full of persons infected with the disease.
Solante said HFMD cases started in October in San Pascual, Batangas where 105 cases – mostly among those aged between one to 16 have been detected, followed by 540 cases in Albay in November, which was mostly kids aged one to 10 years old; 145 cases involving mostly kids aged four to nine in the Ilocos Region; and this December, the 155 cases in NCR that involved kids below 11.
Last Tuesday, the Department of Health (DOH) said while cases are rising, especially in Metro Manila, there is still no need to declare an outbreak.
Solante said there is no vaccine yet or specific medicine for HFMD.
He said the best way to protect oneself, especially the children, is to observe proper hygiene, including washing of hands.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said HFMD is a common infectious disease that most often affects children and its common symptoms include fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet and buttocks.
Solante said it can be contracted if one touches the waste of an infected person and fails to properly wash hands, especially before eating, and if one gets into contact with the respiratory secretion or the skin lesions of an HFMD-infected person.
