Philippines confirms first case of deadly EV-71

Manila: The Philippines has confirmed its first case of the deadly Enterovirus 71 (EV 71), a feared strain of a disease that normally afflicts farm animals.

A one year and seven month old boy from Davao City tested positive for the EV-71, Department of Health (DOH) said.

“The boy developed fever and rashes on his hands, soles of feet, mouth and buttocks last July 6. The boy had no history of travel outside the country. A consultation was sought at a local health facility. He was sent home and has since recovered very well,” the department noted adding that there were no other cases were reported in their household nor in the community.

“The public is urged to remain vigilant,” Health Secretary Enrique Ona nevertheless warned Filipinos, as he mentioned that that experts have confirmed that the deadly strain of EV-71 was determined in one of several suspected hoof, foot and mouth diseas (HFMD) cases earlier under observation by the DOH.