By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City council called on schools and child development centers to strengthen preventive measures against hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) following a spike in local cases.

In a resolution authored by Councilor Em Ang, chairperson of the Committee on Health, and approved on Wednesday, July 16, the city council advised schools to implement stricter hygiene practices and outbreak response plans to curb the spread of the viral illness.

The Bacolod City Health Office has logged 61 confirmed HFMD cases this year, a figure Ang described as “an upward trend” that could worsen if preventive measures are not enforced.

Key measures recommended by the resolution include:

* Promoting frequent handwashing among students, teachers and staff

* Teaching proper cough and sneeze etiquette

* Disinfecting surfaces, toys and frequently touched items

* Monitoring students for symptoms, such as fever, mouth sores and rashes on the hands and feet

* Advising the exclusion of symptomatic students until they are no longer contagious

* Disseminating information on HFMD prevention to parents and staff

Schools are also urged to develop response plans for potential outbreaks, including coordination with parents, barangay health centers and the City Health Office.

HFMD primarily affects infants and children under five years old and spreads rapidly in group settings through close contact.

Ang emphasized that “preventive measures are crucial to reduce the risk of outbreaks and safeguard the health of students and staff.”/CJ, WDJ