By CESAR JOLITO III
With rising cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Negros Occidental, the provincial Department of Education (DepEd) office is crafting its own health protocol to safeguard students and school personnel, even as local authorities implement emergency measures to contain the spread.
Ian Arnold Arnaez, spokesperson for DepEd-Division of Negros Occidental, said that while schools in E.B. Magalona town are currently following protocols set by the Municipal Health Office, the division is proactively developing a parallel set of guidelines to be followed if HFMD spreads to other municipalities.
“It is good that the local health office has already developed a protocol which schools are adhering to,” Arnaez said.
He confirmed that DepEd-NegOcc has been notified of the reported HFMD cases in E.B. Magalona.
However, they are still awaiting detailed data from the local government unit on the exact number of affected students.
Earlier, E.B. Magalona Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon issued Executive Order No. 41 suspending classes in all elementary schools and child development centers in the town from July 10 and 11 as a precautionary measure against HFMD.
Malacon emphasized that the move is intended to curb transmission of HFMD, a highly contagious viral illness common among young children.
The virus is mainly spread through direct contact with bodily fluids such as saliva and nasal discharge, or by touching contaminated surfaces.
No outbreak
Malacon also stressed there’s no HFMD outbreak yet in the town.
“It’s not true. I am not in authority to confirm whether the reported cases are indeed HFMD since the Municipal Health Office has the mandate to declare an outbreak,” Malacon said.
“More so that I am not in the position to declare an outbreak,” the mayor pointed out.
Malacon said HFMD is most contagious during the first week of illness.
“I acknowledge that this issue is quite concerning. Hence, we are now doing the best we can to contain the spread of the suspected HFMD cases,” Malacon added.
Malacon said these alleged HFMD cases are still subject to confirmation via laboratory testing.
During the two-day suspension, all affected schools underwent rigorous cleaning and disinfection, especially in high-contact areas, such as classrooms, playgrounds and restrooms.
The Municipal Fire Station and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office assisted in the operation, guided by the Municipal Health Office.
Students who are healthy are expected to return once classes resume, but those showing HFMD symptoms must undergo isolation.
Further suspension of classes will depend on recommendations from the town’s Disease Surveillance Officer.
Health authorities are urging parents to closely monitor their children for HFMD symptoms, such as fever, mouth sores, rashes on hands and feet, and loss of appetite.
A health information drive on HFMD prevention and hygiene is also being rolled out in coordination with schools and barangay health workers.
Earlier, 18 confirmed HFMD cases were reported in eight out of 21 barangays in E.B. Magalona.
Barangay Alicante leads with five cases, followed by Barangays Tabigue and Tuburan with three cases each.
Province-wide, the Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office recorded 828 HFMD cases from January to June 28.
Bago City had the highest number at 241, followed by Cadiz City with 105, Victorias City with 76, Manapla town with 66, and La Carlota City with 53.
HFMD is caused by several viruses, including coxsackievirus and enterovirus.
Though usually mild, it spreads rapidly among children, particularly in schools and daycare centers./CJ, WDJ