Now Reading
Negros Occidental town halts in-person classes to prevent spread of HFMD cases
Dark Light

Negros Occidental town halts in-person classes to prevent spread of HFMD cases

BACOLOD CITY—Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon of EB Magalona town in Negros Occidental suspended the classes in two public elementary schools and all child development centers in the municipality on Thursday and Friday to curb the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) among learners in these institutions.

During this two-day period, classes shifted to an alternative delivery mode using the emergency learning kit.

As of July 9, EB Magalona has recorded 18 HFMD cases in eight barangays, with an increasing number of suspected cases affecting preschoolers and grade school students in these areas, Malacon said.

Since HFMD is a highly contagious viral illness commonly affecting infants and children, it was decided that intensive disinfection and containment measures will be implemented in the schools before they would be reopened to students, the mayor said.

Malacon said healthy students were expected to return to school, while those confirmed or suspected of having HFMD must remain in isolation, adhering to health protocols, he said.

Seek early consultation

HFMD is most contagious during the first week of infection and spreads through contact with respiratory secretions (like cold, sputum and saliva) and feces of infected individuals, or by touching contaminated objects. Symptoms include rashes or lesions on the hands and soles of the feet, mouth and tongue sores, fever, headache, sore throat, and loss of appetite.

See Also

Parents were strongly advised to seek early medical consultation if their children exhibit any HFMD symptoms, he added.

Across Negros Occidental, the Provincial Health Office has reported 828 HFMD cases from January to June 28 this year. Bago City has the highest number of cases with 241, followed by Cadiz City (105), Victorias City (76), Manapla (66) and La Carlota City (53).

Have problems with your subscription? Contact us via
Email: plus@inquirer.com.ph, subscription@inquirer.com.ph
Landine: (02) 8896-6000
SMS/Viber: 0908-8966000, 0919-0838000

© The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Scroll To Top