The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or speaks. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces and direct contact with fluid from blisters or stool. Although complications from HFMD are rare, health officials are urging the public to take precautions to prevent further transmission.

'Take precautionary measures'

Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion emphasised the importance of strict hygiene and symptom monitoring. “We are urging residents to take precautionary measures to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus,” she stated. “Parents and caregivers should be especially vigilant in practicing good hygiene, in monitoring their children for symptoms, and keeping them at home if they are ill.”

Encarnacion further advised that children showing symptoms should not attend school or daycare until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and until any rash or blisters have dried.

In response to the outbreak, the Department of Health’s Epidemiology Division has deployed resources to affected schools and daycares. Health officials are conducting phone consultations and in-person visits to assess infection control measures and provide training on disease prevention.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for HFMD, as the infection generally resolves on its own.