India, Sept. 23 -- The local government of Cagayan de Oro City has launched an Incident Command System (ICS) to address public health concerns following a rise in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and acute gastroenteritis (AGE).

The City Health Office (CHO) issued two health advisories after recording more than 200 cases of AGE this month.

In a statement on Tuesday, CHO chief Dr. Rachel Dilla said the ICS Management Team is conducting an investigation and implementing measures to prevent a further rise in cases.

"In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to refrain from drinking water from unknown sources," she said.

HFMD is a highly contagious viral illness caused by enteroviruses that is particularly prevalent among child...