The total number of cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Palawan has reached 1,081 during morbidity week 1 to 10, which encompasses the time period beginning on January 1 and ending on March 8.
Data from local office of the Department of Health (DOH) in Palawan claimed that Puerto Princesa City has recorded the highest number of HFMD cases, with 162 cases.
It is followed by the municipality of Aborlan with 106 cases, while Brooke’s Point ranks third with 103 cases.
The municipality of Kalayaan remains the only area in Palawan with zero reported HFMD cases.
Out of the 1,081 HFMD cases in Palawan, 584 are males, while 474 are females.
Meanwhile, no deaths have been reported in the province due to this disease. The Department of Health (DOH) previously stated that HFMD is rarely fatal and usually resolves on its own. However, it spreads rapidly and is highly contagious.
HFMD is a contagious viral infection that spreads through droplets of saliva from an infected individual. It can also be transmitted if a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
According to DOH, fever, coughing, mouth ulcers, and blisters on the hands, feet, and other body parts are all signs of HFMD.
In extreme situations, it might result in side effects including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis.
Individuals infected with HFMD are advised to stay at home for 7 to 10 days or until fever subsides and blisters heal. The DOH also recommends isolating personal items used by infected individuals, such as spoons and forks, and maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings using disinfectants.
