Health: More than a hundred children are suspected to have hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as of March 31 in four dzongkhags, not including Thimphu.

However, not all cases were confirmed to be HFMD.

On March 26, Nobding lower secondary school (LSS) in Wangdue reported that 12 female students as displaying symptoms similar to HFMD.

The school’s principal, Kelzang Wangyal said that the girls were immediately isolated from the rest of the students and health officials consulted in the nearest basic health unit (BHU). Health officials from the Bajo regional hospital ruled out HFMD and the girls were found to be suffering from allergies.

“All the girls have recovered the next day after the case was reported and are now attending their regular classes,” Kelzang Wangyal said.

Bikhar LSS in Trashigang also reported that 27 students were suffering from fever, headache and sores in the mouth.

BLSS’s health in-charge, Sungyel said that while HFMD has not been confirmed the students were isolated.

Meanwhile, Lingmithang primary school in Mongar sent two students home yesterday. A total of 48 cases have been recorded there so far.

The primary school’s health in-charge, Saha Dev Rai said that two students of the 48 have recovered and are attending regular classes, while others are still on leave.

“I personally go to students during lunch break and ask them to wash hands with soap before eating their packed-lunch,” the health in-charge said.

All the class teachers are asked to check their students of the symptoms.

Changjiji satellite clinic reported four cases while the Motithang satellite clinic and Genekha BHU reported two cases each. Bumthang hospital also reported 21 cases from Chamkhar.

Thimphu schools alone reported 85 cases between March 19 and 31. Children suffering from the disease are aged between five and 11 years.

Dechen Tshomo