Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon suspended face-to-face classes in several public elementary schools and Child Development Centers in E.B. Magalona on Thursday and Friday, July 10 to 11, to curb the spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) among learners.
The suspension comes after a rise in reported clustered HFMD cases in some schools in the town.
During this two-day period, classes will shift to an Alternative Delivery Mode using the Emergency Learning Kit.
Schools affected by the suspension include Nanca Elementary School, E.B. Magalona Elementary School, and all Child Development Centers in the municipality, the mayor said.
As of July 9, E.B. Magalona has recorded 18 HFMD cases across various barangays: five in Alicante, three each in Tabigue and Tuburan, two each in Nanca and III-Poblacion, and one each in Damgo, Gahit, and Tanza.
Malacon noted an increasing number of suspected cases affecting preschoolers and grade school students in the area.
In his executive order, Malacon explained that HFMD is a highly contagious viral illness, primarily caused by coxsackievirus and enterovirus, commonly affecting infants and children.
It 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 of HFMD include rashes or lesions on the hands and soles of the feet, mouth and tongue sores, fever, headache, sore throat, and loss of appetite.
Normal classes are set to resume after the two-day temporary suspension, during which intensive disinfection and containment measures will be implemented, Malacon said.
All healthy students are expected to return to school, while those confirmed or suspected of having HFMD must remain in isolation, adhering to health protocols, he said.
The suspension period may be extended based on the ongoing assessment of the health situation and the recommendation of the Municipal Health Office’s Disease Surveillance Officer, Malacon said.
Affected schools are mandated to undertake thorough cleaning and disinfection of classrooms, comfort rooms, playgrounds, and all frequently touched surfaces.
The Municipal Fire Station and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) will assist in the disinfection efforts, with the Municipal Health Office providing technical guidance and monitoring.
All suspected and confirmed cases will be monitored and documented, with immediate contact tracing and isolation of affected children to be conducted, Malacon said.
Parents are strongly advised to seek early medical consultation if their children exhibit any HFMD symptoms, he added.
An intensified health education campaign on HFMD prevention and hygiene practices will also be carried out in coordination with the Municipal Health Office, school heads, and Barangay Health Workers, the mayor said..
Meanwhile, the Provincial Health Office reported that Negros Occidental has recorded 828 HFMD cases from January to June 28.
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.*