Cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Negros Occidental have increased by 346.11 percent compared to last year, the Provincial Health Office reported.
There were 1,111 HFMD cases in the province from Jan. 1 to July 12, compared to 249 cases in the same period last year, it said.
The PHO report said 27 out of 31 LGUs in Negros Occidental have at least one HFMD case.
The age group with the most cases is from 1 to 10 years old.
Bago still has the highest number of cases at 319, Cadiz City – 143, Victorias City – 86, Manpala -73, La Carlota City – 61, Talisay City – 43, Pulupandan – 41, Cauayan – 40, Toboso -32 and Kabankalan City – 32.
Dr. Girlie Pinongan, Provincial Health Officer, said the HFMD cases in Negros Occidental are manageable.
She stressed the need to observe cleanliness, and to ensure frequent handwashing.*