Hand, foot, mouth disease alarming

There are five notifiable diseases that are now under surveillance by the Department of Health- Southern Leyte. The report was presented during the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) 3rd Quarter Meeting last September 20, 2023 at the SP Function Hall, Legislative Building, Maasin City.
These five are Influenza-Like Illness or ILI, Rotavirus, Acute Watery Diarrhea, Dengue and Hand Foot and Mouth Diseases as of September 16, 2023, data.
The Hand and Foot and Mouth Diseases (HFMD) had the highest rate this year, infecting at least 166 persons. The rate doubled compared to year 2022 when there were only 83 cases. Next high rate to HFMDF is Rotavirus, a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea with 293 infected persons this year from 218 last year. Although the rate of increase is lower, the incidents of infection is highest with 293 persons.
Next to Rotavirus, is the Influenza-Like Illness. Patients experience high fever and cough. A recorded total of 522 persons had this disease this year, compared to 422 persons last year.
Meanwhile, Acute Watery Diarrhea was noted in 232 cases this year from 211 cases last year. Dengue cases dropped by 84% this year with a total of 197 cases, compared to more than a thousand infected persons in 2022.
Provincial DOH Director Dr. Feliciano Matibag also reported that Covid-19 recorded the highest drop-down rate with 82% this year, 59 infected persons compared to 320 cases in 2022. Next is Acute Flaccid Paralysis from 12 cases last year, decreased to three people infected this year, with 75% downtrend.
Measles with 20 reported cases this year, from 31 last year. Rabies still on the same cases with two this year and two from last year.
Dr. Matibag advised that for Dengue cases we must practice the Search and Destroy, Self-Protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation, Say Yes to Fogging, at Start & Sustain Hydration as strategies. (RCabodbod)