THE local government of Gitagum, Misamis Oriental, canceled all classes Tuesday as cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease have reached 34.
The class suspension, which applies to all public and private schools, began August 19 and will last until August 28, the local government announced on its Facebook page.
According to Mayor April Dablio, the youngest reported case is a one-year-old child. The barangay with the most cases is Sto. Niño with 16, followed by Gitagum Central School with 12, Cogon with three, Matangad with two, and Burnay with one.
HFMD is a common infection caused by enteroviruses and typically begins with a fever, followed by spots or bumps on the hands, feet, mouth, buttocks, and groin.
Dablio urged the public to visit local health centers for check-ups.
“Naghangyo ako nga kung naay bata nga naay simtomas palihog ko pa anhi sa health center aron matagaan nato ug insakto na pagtagad,” she said.
The mayor noted that while there is no cure for HFMD, the health centers are providing preventive measures, vitamins, and fever medicine.
The local government will also disinfect schools with reported cases and distribute preventive materials.
According to official data, HFMD typically affects children eight years old and younger.
