Iloilo city: The city health office here attributed the high incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) to the active case reporting of schools and clinics. “We have good collaborations with them. We have enhanced reporting, which is why our cases are increasing,” City Health Officer Dr. Mary Ann Diaz said in a press conference on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, from Jan. 1 to Sept. 6, the city has had 319 HFMD cases compared to only 29 cases for the same period last year. Of the total cases, only five remain active. “We also advise school personnel to continue monitoring additional cases and report to our ICESU (Iloilo City Epidemiological Surveillance Unit),” she said.

Diaz stated that they can’t say the disease is seasonal, but as long as there are cases and contamination, it will persist because the mode of transmission is through direct contact. “That is why we are more on the preventive side,” Diaz explained.

In the same press conference, Mayor Raisa Tre±as mentioned ongoing coordination with schools. “Once cases are detected, they are advised to shift to alternative delivery mode of learning,” she said.