It is not just Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) students in Bacolod City who have been hit by viral exanthem, an eruptive skin rash that is often related to a viral infection, there are similar cases in other schools provincewide, a Department of Education doctor said Friday, Oct. 18.
Dr. Joey Villarosa, Medical Officer III of DepEd Negros Occidental, said that viral exanthem cases are present provincewide and nationwide, and are prevalent under current weather conditions.
Viral exanthem has hit 32 students at the NOHS, 15 of whom are currently isolated, a post on the NOHS Medical Clinic Facebook page said Friday.
Villarosa explained that the virus is highly contagious, but it is not fatal.
In schools that do not have an assigned nurse or doctor, the learners manifesting signs of viral exanthem should be sent to municipal or rural health units for medical attention, he said.
The teachers can also take a photos of learners with suspected viral exanthem and send them to the nurses at his office via digital platforms so he can advise them on what to do, Villarosa said.
Viral exanthem can cause red or pink spots on the skin over large parts of the body, and can be accompanied by fever, headaches, sore throat, and fatigue.
Villarosa said information dissemination on proper hygiene, which includes constant hand washing, is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus.*