THE BACOLOD City Health Office is urging all public and private schools to promptly report suspected cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), as the city continues to see a rise in infections this year.

Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO’s Environment Sanitation Division, emphasized the importance of early detection and accurate reporting to effectively manage the disease.

“We would appreciate it if all these reports are submitted to the CHO so we can have an updated account of the number of cases. If we don’t have exact figures, we can’t manage it appropriately,” Dr. Tan said.

She urged schools to require medical certificates from students exhibiting HFMD symptoms and advised parents to consult their local barangay health centers for confirmation.

Schools were also reminded to advise parents not to send symptomatic children to school to help prevent further transmission.

From January to July 12, 2025, Bacolod City recorded a total of 78 HFMD cases.

Dr. Tan enumerated the common symptoms of HFMD, including sore throat, fever, and painful ulcers or blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes on the thighs and buttocks.

She also highlighted the modes of transmission, such as direct contact with droplets from coughing or sneezing, physical contact with infected individuals, sharing utensils, contact with feces, and touching contaminated surfaces.

To help curb the spread, Dr. Tan recommended that schools conduct regular disinfection and teach students the importance of frequent handwashing.

“Once in school, we should teach our children to practice hand hygiene frequently—adults too—to prevent the spread of HFMD,” she stressed.

The CHO continues to monitor the situation and is working closely with schools and local health centers to ensure timely interventions and prevent further outbreaks.