PALO, Leyte — The Department of Health regional office in the province of Leyte has stressed that there is no cause for alarm amid the sporadic cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease in Eastern Visayas.

Data from the DoH-8 disclosed that for the whole month of September, the agency was able to monitor 36 HFMD cases in the region — 20 in Leyte, 11 in Biliran and five in Samar.

"It is a highly contagious disease, but the 36 cases recorded last month is not alarming because HFMD is a mild and nonfatal disease," said DoH-8 regional information officer Jelyn Malibago.

"Nevertheless, preventive measures are still advised to the public such as personal hygiene, washing of hands, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and in isolation, among others," she added.

HFMD, which more commonly hits children in day care age, is caused by coxsackievirus. The disease gets its name from the blister-like rash that forms on a child's hands and feet and painful sores that develop in their mouth.

The rash can appear anywhere on their body, including their chest, back, arms, legs, genitals and buttocks. The symptoms usually clear up on its own within seven to 10 days.

On Friday, classes were suspended in a Day Care center in Barangay Poblacion 1 in Calbiga, Samar when three of their learners were found infected with HFMD.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office immediately conducted disinfection and sanitation operations to contain the further spread of infection.

The Rural Health Unit of Calbiga reported 11 cases of infection in the whole municipality including the three learners from the day care center.