DAVAO SCHOOL LOGS 30 CASES OF HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE 

THE City Health Office (CHO) reported that 30  cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were recorded in a school in Davao City.

The HFMD cases were logged between October 3 and 16 at the Ateneo de Davao University – Preschool and Grade School (ADDU-PGS).

According to the CHO, the disease affected day care and elementary students.

Investigation showed the cases were distributed among 16 classrooms, with “one to two cases” per classroom, said CHO head Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon.

In a press conference at the City Hall,  Ababon noted that the  school recently shifted to online classes due to the spread of HFMD but the cases were not isolated to one classroom.

“These cases involve 16 different sections, with some classrooms having one or two cases each. It’s not a severe outbreak,” Ababon said.

HFMD is transmitted through direct contact and droplets.

Ababon said treatment focuses on managing symptoms, such as giving antipyretics for fever and fluids for dehydration.

Meanwhile, the City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (CESU) is closely monitoring HFMD cases in coordination with school clinics to prevent its further spread.

“Surveillance is critical to control infectious diseases and identify any complications that may arise, such as myocarditis or seizures, even though HFMD is generally mild,” Ababon said.

HFMD typically affects children under six years old,. Although adults may carry the virus without symptoms, they can still spread the disease. 

The City Health official said there is no cause for panic, nor is there an outbreak, emphasizing that this disease is “mild in nature.”

Ababon urged parents and students to wash their hands frequently and refrain from going to school if experiencing symptoms such as fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet and buttocks.

He urged establishments and schools to disinfect places where children usually visit and play. 

The CHO, through its Environmental Sanitation and Tropical Disease Divisions, is conducting regular disinfection of parks and playgrounds.