Bacolod health department advocates for schools to reveal instances of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
In Bacolod City, schools and child development centres are taking proactive steps to combat the spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), following a recent spike in local cases. The City Health Office (CHO) has recorded a total of 78 cases of HFMD from January to July 12, 2025, with Barangay Villamonte reporting the highest number at 12 cases.
To tackle this issue, schools are being urged to implement a series of preventive measures and reporting procedures. These measures include promoting hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, regular disinfection, symptom monitoring, and an exclusion policy for symptomatic students. Additionally, schools are advised to develop response plans for potential outbreaks, coordinate with parents, barangay health centers, and the CHO, and report all suspected cases to the CHO.
Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environment Sanitation Division, has emphasised the importance of these measures, stating that HFMD can spread through direct contact with droplets, touching an infected person, close contact, sharing utensils, contact with feces, and touching contaminated objects or surfaces. She also highlighted the importance of hand hygiene in schools to prevent the spread of HFMD.
In response to the increasing number of cases, the Bacolod City Council has urged schools to strengthen these preventive measures. Schools are being encouraged to visit health centres in various barangays for confirmation of HFMD cases and to submit all reports of suspected cases to the CHO. Dr. Tan has noted that the CHO would appreciate receiving updated reports for proper management.
As of the latest reports, Barangays Tangub, Cabug, and Singcang-Airport each have 6 cases of HFMD, while Barangay Granada has 5 cases. Barangays Vista Alegre, Mansilingan, Banago, Mandalagan, Alijis, Estefania, and Villamonte have reported 4, 8, 3, 9, 3, 4, and 12 cases respectively.
The CHO is focusing on managing HFMD cases effectively with accurate data on the number of cases. Regular disinfection in schools is also being advised as a preventative measure against the spread of HFMD. Dr. Tan has suggested that schools should advise parents not to send their children to school if they are showing symptoms of HFMD.
In conclusion, schools in Bacolod City are taking action to prevent the spread of HFMD. By implementing preventive measures, reporting procedures, and staying informed, the community can work together to control the spread of this disease.
- To enhance the health and wellness of students, schools in Bacolod City are promoting fitness and exercise, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene, and encouraging mental health awareness, considering the stress that could arise from concerns about medical conditions like HFMD.
- The City Health Office (CHO) is advocating for the use of CBD, a natural compound found in cannabis, due to its potential therapeutic benefits for managing symptoms related to numerous medical conditions, including stress, anxiety, and inflammation, which could help maintain mental and physical health during this period of disease outbreak.
- To create a clean, healthy, and safe environment for everyone, the CHO is collaborating with local manufacturers to develop eco-friendly and antibacterial cleaning products that can help prevent the spread of HFMD and other infectious diseases in schools, child development centers, and other public areas in Bacolod City.
- To foster a health-conscious community, schools in Bacolod City are partnering with science and technology researchers to develop innovative health solutions that focus on detecting, monitoring, and managing symptoms associated with various medical conditions, including HFMD, to ensure the well-being and safety of both students and staff.
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