Manila: E.B. Magalona town in Negros Occidental suspended face-to-face classes in some public elementary schools Thursday and Friday to address the reported cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) among learners.

According to Philippines News Agency, in an executive order, Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon directed the two-day class suspension to allow the conduct of necessary public health interventions. 'During this period, classes will shift to the alternative delivery mode using the emergency learning kit,' he said.

The suspension applies to Nanca Elementary School, E.B. Magalona Elementary School, and all child development centers in the northern Negros municipality. As of July 9, E.B. Magalona has recorded 18 cases: five in Barangay Alicante; three each in Barangays Tabigue and Tuburan; two each in Barangays Nanca and III-Poblacion; one each in Barangays Damgo, Gahit, and Tanza.

A contagious viral infection commonly affecting young children, HFMD is characterized by sores in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet. Its signs and symptoms include sore throat, fever, painful ulcers or blisters in the hands and feet, and sometimes the thighs and buttocks. HFMD is transmitted through droplets or direct contact with nasal discharges, saliva, feces, and fluid from the rashes of an infected individual.

In its advisory, the Department of Health said suspected and confirmed cases of HFMD must isolate at home for seven to 10 days, or until their fever is gone or their wounds are healed.