Rise in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cases in Panama

Panama Sees Rise in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cases Panama is experiencing a surge in cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a viral infection commonly affecting young children. The increase has prompted concern among parents and health officials. TVN Noticias spoke with pediatrician Lilibeth Ureña, who stated, "The main characteristics are an incubation period of three to five days, followed by fever and general discomfort, then the classic eruptions appear, mainly on the mouth, hands, and feet." Another pediatrician, Henry Lum Chial, emphasized the importance of hygiene: "Definitively, there must be a lot of handwashing by the people who handle them." He added that the illness typically lasts seven to eight days and recommended a diet of cold and sweet foods for affected children. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation and urging preventative measures such as frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with infected individuals. While HFMD is not typically severe, the recent increase underscores the need for vigilance and proactive hygiene practices to mitigate its spread.