New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS): In the wake of rising cases of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in the city, some prominent schools of the capital have decided to shut their nursery and prep wings as preventive measure.

The toddler wings of Delhi Public School (DPS) branches in south Delhi have been closed till October 6, said the school authorities.

Sardar Patel Vidyalaya's nursery wing will remain closed till October 16 and cover the annual Dussehra holidays too.

The closure has been ordered on an advisory by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases and the Directorate General of Health Services.

According to doctor, the HFMD cases have registered a rise this year among the toddlers and small children.

The infection spreads through saliva, mucus from the nose and even from feces, causing rashes on hands, feet, genital area and ulcers in the mouth.

A medical advisory on the disease has also been uploaded on the websites of these schools.

The school authorities have also advised parents to take preventive measures and maintain hygiene to combat infection.