The Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO) has warned the public against the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a very contagious viral infection that mostly affects young children.
HFMD should not be confused with hoof-and-mouth disease, which affects animals including cows, pigs, and goats, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Skin rash is one of the symptoms of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) (Photo from Poblacion Health Center)
Disinfection in a public school in Muntinlupa (Photo from Poblacion Health Center)
Information dissemination about HFMD (Photo from Poblacion Health Center)
The number of HFMD cases in Muntinlupa has increased, the CHO said.
To prevent the spread of the HFMD, the Poblacion Health Center has implemented disinfection in schools.
According to the CHO, HFMD is caused by the coxsackievirus and enterovirus and is contagious during the first week of infection.
The symptoms of HFMD, according to the CHO, are skin rashes on the hands and soles of the feet, fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, cough and sneezing.
It reminded the public to regularly wash hands and feet, cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, disinfect places and things, avoid people with HFMD and consult a doctor if symptoms come out.