Be wary of fever and rashes, children in CAR told amid rise in HFMD cases

Children who have fever and rashes in Cordillera Administrative Region have been advised to consult doctors immediately amid the spike in the HMFD (hand, foot and mouth disease) in the region.

"Kung may fever and rashes na sila, huwag na silang pumasok. I-report na nila sa RHQ or sa nearest health facilities," said Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, officer-in-charge of the Department of Health in CAR.

Pangilinan gave the advice after HFMD cases in CAR increased by 855%.

Interviewed on Balitanghali on Thursday, Pangilinan said they have recorded 449 cases of HFMD from January 1 to September 14 this year, a far cry from the 47 cases recorded in the same period last year.

“Actually matagal na naming naitatala ‘yan sa aming regional epidemiology surveillance unit. Part po ‘yan ng mga disease under surveillance,” she said.

“Very highly infectious kasi ito and kung may clustering talaga tapos walang nangyaring preventive measure, talagang magkakalat yan,” she added.

Pangilinan said the main preventative measure against HFMD is “WASH” or water, sanitation, and hygiene.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HFMD is a common viral illness that usually starts with fever, reduced appetite, sore throat, and malaise. —Julia Mari T. Ornedo/KBK, GMA News