The Department of Health in Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) has stepped up its monitoring of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases following an observed increase in recent months.
In a “Konsultayo” briefing, Dr. Maryanne Sharlene Isidro, DOH-10 head of communications and health education promotions, said cases started to trend upward in June, July, and August.
“It is possible that when children returned from their summer vacation, they were exposed to the virus (that causes HFMD),” she said.
Isidro noted that while children under five are the most affected, older children and adults can also be infected.
City Councilor Dr. Paolo Nicolo Gaane also raised the issue, citing reports of HFMD cases in a private school. “On Sept. 11, the administration of St. Mary’s School in (Barangay) Macasandig confirmed eight cases of HFMD,” he said.
Both DOH-10 and Gaane called for strict health protocols, particularly frequent handwashing, to help prevent the spread of the disease.