THE Department of Health (DOH) reported on Saturday that the number of local hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases reached 37,368 as of Aug. 9 — more than seven times higher than the 5,081 cases during the same period last year.

HFMD cases on the rise

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa urged the public to exercise precaution, as HFMD outbreaks are more likely during the wet season.

“HFMD should not be ignored because it is highly contagious, especially among children,” Herbosa said. He added that while there is no specific cure, supportive treatment such as fever reducers, hydration, and rest can help speed recovery.

HFMD is a highly contagious viral disease, typically found among young children, and is transmitted through saliva, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, rashes, and painful sores on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. While most cases are mild, the DOH warned that severe complications could arise if the disease is left untreated.

Herbosa explained that in the wet season, children spend more time indoors, making transmission easier. He urged parents and schools to practice strict hygiene, including frequent handwashing, disinfection of commonly touched objects, and keeping sick children at home until they have fully recovered.

The DOH further reminded communities to avoid panic and misinformation, stressing that most children recover within one to 10 days. However, medical consultation is advised if symptoms worsen, particularly if a child experiences a persistent fever, dehydration, or difficulty swallowing.

Meanwhile, the DOH said that cases of leptospirosis continue to decline across the country. It added, however, that the same cannot be said for dengue, which showed a 2-percent increase.

DOH records show that only 18 new cases of leptospirosis were recorded nationwide from Aug. 17-21. The figure marks a significant decrease compared to the 1,112 cases logged between Aug. 3 and 9 alone, following floods brought by Tropical Storm Emong and Typhoons Crising and Dante.

Since the onset of the rainy season on June 8, the country has reported a total of 4,436 leptospirosis cases. Despite the decline, DOH hospitals maintain leptospirosis fast lanes and expanded bed capacities to accommodate patients.

Several DOH hospitals also reported fewer admissions for leptospirosis. At the DOH-Tondo Medical Center, new admissions dropped to seven cases as of Aug. 21, down from a peak of 68 daily cases in previous weeks.

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute recorded just one new admission, compared to its highest daily count of 25 cases, while the East Avenue Medical Center reported no new cases this week after once logging 21 daily admissions.

For dengue, cases reached 15,161 from July 20 to Aug. 2 — a 2-percent increase from the 14,909 cases reported between July 6 and 19. The uptick comes as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warns of more rain in the coming days due to the habagat (southwest monsoon) and Tropical Depression Isang.

The DOH urged the public to remain vigilant and continue practicing preventive measures against dengue. Communities are advised to implement the 4S strategy — Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Self-protect through repellents and clothing, Seek early consultation for symptoms, and Support indoor and outdoor spraying when needed. Fast lanes for dengue remain open in all DOH hospitals.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that spreads to people through contact with the urine of infected animals, either directly or indirectly through contaminated soil or water, such as after floods or heavy rains. Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito., This news data comes from:http://www.771bg.com