The Department of Education-Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR) has advised school officials to be cautious about the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).

HFMD: A Growing Health Concern in Schools

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral illness that primarily affects young children and is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and rashes on the hands, feet, and buttocks. The disease spreads easily in crowded environments, making schools, daycare centers, and playgrounds particularly vulnerable to outbreaks.

According to health authorities, cases of HFMD have been rising in several provinces within the Cordillera region, prompting DepEd-CAR to take preventive action before it disrupts school activities.

Preventive Measures Recommended by DepEd-CAR

To mitigate the risk of infection, DepEd-CAR has urged schools to enforce strict hygiene and sanitation protocols, including:

• Regular handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating.
• Frequent disinfection of commonly touched surfaces such as desks, doorknobs, and learning materials.
• Monitoring students for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and rashes.
• Advising parents to keep infected children at home until they fully recover.
• Promoting awareness campaigns on HFMD prevention and recognizing early symptoms.

Education Officials Stress Community Effort

DepEd-CAR officials emphasized that preventing the spread of HFMD requires collaboration among teachers, parents, and local health offices.

"Our priority is the health and safety of students. We are working closely with the Department of Health (DOH) to monitor cases and ensure schools are well-prepared to handle potential outbreaks," a DepEd-CAR spokesperson stated.

Health experts have also urged parents to educate their children about personal hygiene and avoid sharing food, utensils, or personal items that could facilitate the virus’s transmission.

The Impact of HFMD on School Activities

Although HFMD is generally mild and self-limiting, severe outbreaks can lead to class suspensions or temporary closures of affected schools. Educators are concerned about the potential disruptions to learning, particularly as students are still recovering from academic setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some schools in the Cordillera region have already strengthened health screenings, ensuring that students showing symptoms are sent home immediately to prevent further spread.

HFMD Cases on the Rise Nationwide

The situation in Cordillera reflects a larger trend across the Philippines, with HFMD cases reported in other regions as well. The Department of Health (DOH) recently issued an alert about the rising number of HFMD infections nationwide, particularly in urban areas and densely populated schools.

What’s Next?

• DepEd-CAR will continue to coordinate with health authorities to monitor the situation and implement additional preventive measures if necessary.
• Parents are encouraged to immediately consult doctors if their children develop symptoms of HFMD to ensure proper treatment and reduce transmission.
• Teachers and school personnel are advised to report any suspected cases to local health units for immediate intervention.

As the Cordillera region battles HFMD outbreaks, the focus remains on prevention and early intervention to ensure that students can continue their education in a safe and healthy environment.