Hygiene and sanitation remains the reliable defense against hand-foot-mouth disease, said a representative of the Department of Health (DOH) XI during the full council meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) XI this morning during which the regional log of HFMD cases was presented.
DOH XI Senior Health Program Officer Jinky M. Espino showed a DOH presentation giving details of reported HFMD cases by province, in Davao Region.
Based on data gathered from January 01 to Feb. 18, 2023 alone, HFMD cases in Davao Region totaled 1,754 with Davao de Oro having the most number of cases at a total of 509. Davao del Norte followed with 424 HFMD cases; Davao City, 344; Davao Occidental, 229; Davao Oriental, 186; and Davao del Sur, 62.
She highly encouraged frequent hand-washing and cleanliness of the surrounding at home and in schools as most of those found contracted with this disease were children of nine years of age and below.
Noting that DOH XI had already sent samples for further testing to the central office, Espino said no HFMD strain from Davao Region is of fatal in nature, but she still emphasized the need to be cautious and be mindful of hygiene and sanitation.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Office XI Regional Director, Police Brig. General Benjamin Silo Jr. assured DOH XI of the support from the Philippine National Police regional command in disseminating information and in educating communities about HFMD.
He asked from Espino the information-education-communication (IEC) materials on HFMD that police personnel can use during community work. (PIA XI/ Jean Duron Abangan)
