City Council urges health, education agencies to step up HFMD prevention

THE 21^st City Council is urging the City Health Office, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), and public and private schools to implement enhanced surveillance, preventive measures, and public information campaign following confirmed cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the City.

This directive stemmed from the special report of Councilor Paolo Nicolo Gaane, during the 10^th regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, where he expressed alarm over the confirmed eight cases of HFMD in one of the private schools in the city.

Councilor Gaane reported that the said school immediately suspended onsite classes, shifted to asynchronous learning set-up, disinfected classrooms and facilities, and is planning to resume classes on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

As chair of the committee on health, nutrition, and health insurance, Councilor Gaane explained that HFMD is generally considered mild and self-limiting but is highly contagious, especially in school settings where children interact closely.

Symptoms include fever, mouth sores, and rashes on the hands and feet, and fully recover within 7 to 10 days. However, complications such as dehydration, or in rare cases, neurological involvement, may occur if not properly managed, he cited.

“We are reminded that vigilance and preparedness are key to preventing wider outbreaks. Let us not wait for HFMD to escalate before acting decisively,” Councilor Gaane pointed out. (JBDacer/SP)