School outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in Northern Luzon, Philippines, October 2022
10.5365/wpsar.2023.14.2.1001
- Author:
Emeryn C Victori
1
,
2
;
Ray Justin C Ventura
3
;
Mariz Zheila C Blanco
3
;
Rosario P Pamintuan
3
;
Rio L Magpantay
3
;
Karen B Lonogan
3
Author Information
1. Field Epidemiology Training Program - Intermediate Course, Northern Luzon, Philippines
2. Center for Health and Development 1, Department of Health, San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines
3. Center for Health and Development 1, Department of Health, San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
hand, foot and mouth disease, disease outbreaks, Philippines
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2023;14(2):35-39
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective: On 24 September 2022, the Regional Public Health Unit in Ilocos received a report of a cluster of suspected hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in one school in Balungao, Pangasinan Province, the Philippines. On 4 October 2022, the public health unit sent a team from the Field Epidemiology Training Program – Intermediate Course to conduct an outbreak investigation.
Methods: Active case-finding was conducted at the school. A suspected case was defined as any student or staff member with mouth ulcers and papulovesicular or maculopapular rash on the palms, fingers, soles of the feet or buttocks occurring from 1 September to 5 October 2022. We interviewed school officials about possible sources of infection and students’ activities. We collected oropharyngeal swab samples for testing. Findings were used for descriptive analysis.
Results: Nine suspected cases of HFMD were detected, with the highest number of cases (6, 67%) occurring in children in grade 1. The majority of cases (7, 78%) were 6 years old, and five cases (56%) were male. Seven (78%) of the cases had been exposed to a confirmed case of HFMD, as reported by their parents or guardians and teachers. Six cases (67%) were positive for coxsackievirus A16 and two (22%) for enterovirus.
Discussion: The causative agents of this outbreak were coxsackievirus A16 and other enteroviruses. Direct contact with a confirmed case was the source of transmission, with a lack of physical distancing in classrooms likely contributing to transmission. We recommended that the local government implement measures to control the outbreak.
- Full text:2024062112591086016wpsar-14-1001.pdf
