Cagayan de oro: The local government of Cagayan de Oro City has launched an Incident Command System (ICS) to address public health concerns following a rise in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and acute gastroenteritis (AGE). The City Health Office (CHO) issued two health advisories after recording more than 200 cases of AGE this month.

According to Philippines News Agency, CHO chief Dr. Rachel Dilla stated that the ICS Management Team is conducting an investigation and implementing measures to prevent a further rise in cases. “In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to refrain from drinking water from unknown sources,” she advised.

HFMD, a highly contagious viral illness caused by enteroviruses, is particularly prevalent among children, as noted by the Department of Health (DOH). While most HFMD cases are mild if caused by the Coxsackievirus A16, they may progress to meningitis, encephalitis, and polio-like paralysis if left unmanaged, and may even be deadly if caused by Enterovirus 71.

Dr. Dilla also mentioned that stringent water testing has been conducted and samples have been forwarded to the DOH. Meanwhile, the Cagayan de Oro City Water District conducted its own tests and found no trace of the E. coli bacteria.

The increase in AGE cases has prompted some local restaurants to limit serving tap water and strictly enforce food handling and safety protocols.