MALASIQUI, July 27 -- The Department of Health in Ilocos Region has recorded 237 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease from Jan. 1 to July 4 this year, 84 percent lower than the 1,517 cases recorded in the same period last year.

In a phone interview on Monday, DOH Ilocos Region Medical Officer Dr. Rheuel Bobis attributed the lower number of cases to various interventions, including information dissemination.

"Nonetheless, we remain vigilant because the trend last year in the number of cases of HFMD was increasing, especially with the opening of classes," he said.

The most affected group is children aged five and below, or school children, but the disease can infect anyone through droplets or contact with fecal matter, he added.

"Prev...