Misamis oriental: Misamis Oriental province is on heightened alert after cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) were reported among school children on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Israel Peralta, chief of Misamis Oriental's Provincial Health Office (PHO), stated that they were coordinating with local governments and the Department of Health to strengthen prevention measures and improve treatment for affected children. Dr. Peralta mentioned that municipal health officers had identified the children, and although they were not advised to be referred to a hospital yet, the families were instructed on what steps to take.

Most of the children affected by HFMD are from Gitagum municipality, with 30 reported cases. In response, Gitagum Mayor April Rose Dablio has suspended classes at all school levels from August 19 to 28 as a precautionary measure.

The PHO and municipal health officers are actively carrying out contact tracing and are encouraging the public to adhere to basic health protocols to prevent further spread of the disease.