TGT Bulletin Board

Child Illnesses in Guam: What Parents Need to Know to Keep Children Healthy in 2026

At The Giving Tree Daycare Guam, keeping children healthy and safe is always our top priority. As we move into early 2026, families across the island are seeing an increase in common childhood illnesses,

along with ongoing health concerns that affect many children in Guam.

According to the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), children in Guam are currently facing a combination of contagious illnesses, respiratory viruses, and long-term health challenges. Staying informed helps parents recognize symptoms early and prevent the spread of illness in daycare and school settings.

Below is an overview of the most common child health concerns in Guam and what families can do to protect their children.

Common Childhood Illnesses Currently Affecting Guam

🦠 Infectious Diseases & Outbreaks in Guam

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in Guam
DPHSS has reported an increase in pertussis cases entering 2026. Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection and can be especially dangerous for infants and young children. Keeping children up to date on recommended vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness.

Norovirus in Guam (“Stomach Flu”)

Norovirus causes vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps and spreads quickly through close contact and contaminated surfaces. With increased cases reported nationally and internationally, Guam families are encouraged to practice good hygiene and keep sick children home.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
HFMD remains one of the most common childhood illnesses in Guam daycares and preschools. It spreads easily among young children and often causes fever, mouth sores, and rashes on the hands and feet.

Flu and RSV in Guam
Seasonal respiratory illnesses such as influenza (including Influenza B) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) continue to affect infants and children on island. These illnesses may cause fever, cough, congestion, and breathing difficulties, especially in younger children.

Ongoing Child Health Concerns in Guam

🍎 Chronic & Lifestyle-Related Health Issues

Childhood Obesity and Diabetes in Guam
One of the most serious long-term health challenges facing children in Guam is the high rate of childhood obesity and prediabetes. Health experts emphasize the importance of healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and early education to support lifelong wellness.

Respiratory Conditions in Children
Some children continue to experience lingering respiratory issues following COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. These challenges can be more complex for children with asthma or sensitivities.

Other Child Health Risks in Guam

Shigellosis
While not currently at outbreak levels, past cases of shigellosis in Guam remind families how quickly bacterial illnesses can spread without proper hygiene and illness prevention.

Unintentional Injuries
Unintentional injuries remain a leading cause of emergency room visits for children in Guam, highlighting the importance of safe environments and close supervision both at home and in childcare settings.

How Parents Can Help Prevent the Spread of Illness in Guam

DPHSS and The Giving Tree Daycare Guam encourage families to take these important steps to help keep children healthy:

Keep children up to date on vaccinations, including DTaP/Tdap for pertussis
Practice frequent handwashing with soap and water
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces
Monitor children for fever, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or rashes
Keep children home when sick
Allow children to stay home for at least 2 days after symptoms stop
Schedule a visit with your pediatrician if symptoms appear
Provide medical clearance to the Health Counselor before returning to the classroom

Our Commitment to Health and Safety at The Giving Tree Daycare Guam

We understand that parents want reassurance when it comes to their child’s health. At The Giving Tree Daycare Guam, we follow health guidelines closely, maintain clean learning environments, and work in partnership with families to reduce the spread of illness.

Thank you for helping us protect the health of our children and our Guam community. Together, we can create a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn and thrive 🌿