A HEALTH official revealed some school children in Cebu Province have hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

Regional Epidemiologist Rennan Cimafranca said private physicians reported to the Department of Health (DOH 7) at least two or three cases.

In Liloan town, the agency received reports of fewer than 10 HFMD cases.

“Most of the cases are elementary children but there are also some adult,” said Cimafranca.

He said the disease is spread through contact transmission so he advised parents to stress the importance of frequent hand washing.

According to the Center for Disease Control web site, HFMD is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than five years old. It can also occur in adults.

Sores

The disease is manifested by fever, poor appetite and sore throat. A day or two after the start of the fever, painful sores usually appear in the mouth.

These sores look like small red spots that later become ulcers.

A skin rash appears after one to two days, which appear flat or look like raised red spots, sometimes with blisters. The rash is usually on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; it may also appear on the knees, elbows, buttocks or the genital area.

Patients, especially young children, may get dehydrated if they are not able to swallow enough liquids because of the mouth sores.

The viruses that cause HFMD can be found in an infected person's nose and throat secretions (such as saliva, sputum or nasal mucus), blister fluid, and feces.

The virus can be spread through close contact, coughing or sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces.
DOH: Some kids in Cebu have hand, foot and mouth disease | Sun.Star