PGB takes action to control the spread of HFMD cases

CITY OF MALOLOS — In light of the increasing number of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases in the province, the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) through the

Provincial Health Office (PHO) conducted initiatives to control the spread of the viral infection and further protect the Bulakenyos’ health.

The PHO initiated steps to effectively combat the rise of cases such as a 24/7 surveillance in 24 municipalities and cities in Bulacan, coordination with sanitary inspector in City/Municipal Health Offices, continuous monitoring of cases, specimen transport to confirm HFMD cases, and information dissemination to the public to avoid the disease.

Moreover, the PHO advised the public to be cautious as HFMD has no cure, however, the symptoms can be lessened through drinking a lot of water, eating soft food, taking over-the-counter medicines for fever and body pain.

A total of 252 suspected HFMD cases were tallied from January 1 to 25 this year, 460% higher compared to January 2024 which only recorded 45 cases, according to the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU).

The City of San Jose Del Monte topped the list of towns and cities with the most cases (37), followed by Marilao(35) and Santa Maria (22). Most of the cases recorded were four years old children and younger, including eight-month-old infants.

Data showed that 73% of the cases came from the reports of Rural Health Units or Municipal/City Health Offices, while 17.9% were from government hospitals, and 9.1% were recorded in private hospitals.

Some of the symptoms of HFMD according to the PHO are fever, painful and red blisters on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheek, no appetite to eat, weak and unwilling to move, frequent irritability of babies and children, sore throat, red rashes without itching that sometimes blister on the palms, soles, and buttocks.

Meanwhile, Governor Daniel R. Fernando also advised the Bulakenyo parents to take extra care of their children and promised a continued effort in finding ways to protect public health.

“Sa mga magulang naman po, doblehin po natin ang pag-aalaga at pagbabantay sa ating mga anak lalo na sa mga sanggol para makaiwas po tayo sa mga ganitong klase ng sakit. Gagawan at hahanapan po natin sa pamamagitan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan  ng mga paraan upang patuloy kayong mabigyan ng proteksiyon sa inyong kalusugan,” he said. ###