The suspected Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases in Negros Occidental from January 1 to February 25 increased by 7,520 percent compared to the same period in 2022, the Department of Health 6 reported Monday, March 6.
Negros Occidental recorded 762 cases this year compared to 10 in the same period last year, it said.
Bacolod has 117 cases this year or an increase by 3,800 percent with only three cases recorded in 2022, the DOH added.
Iloilo province has the highest number of HFMD cases in Western Visayas at 2,420 followed by Negros Occidental with 762, Antique – 411, Guimaras – 315, Iloilo City – 284, Capiz – 245, Aklan – 216 and Bacolod City -117, the DOH said.
HFMD is a common infection in children that causes sores called ulcers inside or around their mouth and a rash or blisters on their hands, feet, legs, or buttocks.*