PHYSICAL classes in a school in Albay were suspended after some 41 students were infected with foot and mouth disease.

The Albay Provincial Health Office said it received a report from the Legazpi City Health Office that Albay Central School had 15 FMD cases.

“Within three days, naging 41 agad siya so highly contagious,” Albay PHO sanitary engineer William Sabater said.

Sabater said they undertook disinfection process in the school and distributed medicines to the affected children.

“The Albay PHO will conduct information, education, and communication and orient Albay Central School faculty on how to prevent and control FMD,” he said.

Although FMD has low fatality rate, Sabater said the number of detected cases was alarming.

The disease was first detected in a student who had contact with a hog.

“Humans infected with FMD show tingling, annoying, and itchy blisters or rashes in the hands and feet. Sore throat and mild fever could also be experienced by humans with FMD,” Sabater said.