Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children.
DAVAO CITY – A private school in Davao City has reported 30 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), prompting the administration to transition to online classes to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon confirmed the outbreak and stated that health authorities are actively conducting surveillance to prevent complications among affected patients.
Ababon said that the cases predominantly involve six-year-old students across 16 grade school classrooms.
“The cases were discovered three weeks ago, but we only learned about them recently,” Ababon explained.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children.
The disease is primarily transmitted through direct contact, particularly through hand contact and respiratory droplets. Symptoms typically begin with mild fever, followed by the development of painful sores in the mouth, a sore throat, and rashes or red spots on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Other signs may include weakness, loss of appetite, and general discomfort.
Ababon emphasized the importance of adhering to public health standards to curb the spread of the disease. He encourages the community to practice good hygiene by frequently washing hands, avoiding close contact with individuals displaying symptoms, and steering clear of crowded places.
As health officials continue to monitor the situation, they stress that early detection and proper hygiene are key to managing outbreaks like this effectively. Parents are urged to remain vigilant for any signs of HFMD in their children and to seek medical advice if symptoms arise.
