HFMD Cases Prompt Class Suspension in E.B. Magalona

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The municipal government of E.B. Magalona in Negros Occidental has suspended elementary classes from July 10 to 11 due to confirmed cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).

Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon issued Executive Order No. 41, mandating a two-day suspension of in-person classes in all elementary schools and Child Development Centers, including Nanca Elementary School and E.B. Magalona Elementary School.

To ensure continuity of learning, students will temporarily shift to the Alternative Delivery Mode using Emergency Learning Kits, as announced on the town’s official Facebook page Thursday.

On Wednesday, Malacon convened a meeting with barangay health workers from all 23 villages to coordinate response measures.

As of July 9, the town has reported 18 HFMD cases—five in Barangay Alicante; three each in Tabigue and Tuburan; two each in Nanca and III-Poblacion; and one each in Damgo, Gahit, and Tanza.

The mayor urged residents to immediately consult the Municipal Health Office if symptoms arise and assured the public that medical support is available.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) also advised residents to help prevent the spread of HFMD by promoting proper hygiene among children, including frequent handwashing, avoiding face-touching, and disinfecting shared objects.

As of June 28, PHO data showed a total of 828 HFMD cases in the province—a 246.44 percent increase from the same period in 2024, which recorded only 239 cases.

The PHO noted that 27 out of 31 local government units (LGUs) in the province have reported at least one HFMD case.

Children ages 1 to 10 comprise the majority of infections.

Bago City has the highest number of cases at 241, followed by Cadiz City with 105, Victorias City with 76, Manapla with 66, La Carlota City with 53, Talisay City with 42, Cauayan with 33, Pulupandan with 29, Kabankalan City with 24, and Salvador Benedicto with 22.

No fatalities have been reported.