BACOLOD City – “No cause for alarm yet.”
This was the assurance of E.B. Magalona mayor Matthew Louis Malacon amid reports of suspected hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in eight barangays of the municipality in Negros Occidental.
The mayor clarified that these are still alleged HFMD cases, pending confirmatory testing by the Department of Health (DOH), the designated authority on such health matters.
Nonetheless, Malacon has directed the town’s health officer, Dr. Edmundo Janeo Jr., to intensify efforts in verifying the reported cases.
To contain any potential spread, classes in all day care centers and elementary schools with suspected cases were suspended from July 10 to 11 to allow for disinfection operations.
The disinfection was carried out following the protocols and instructions from the DOH, Provincial Health Office (PHO), and the Municipal Health Office (MHO).
“I acknowledge that this issue is quite concerning. That’s why we are doing everything we can to contain the spread of the suspected HFMD cases,” said Malacon. “However, we do not want to cause unnecessary fear or panic among our constituents. Let’s stay calm as we wait for the confirmatory results from the DOH.”
The mayor also reminded all Saraviahanons to observe good personal hygiene to prevent not only HFMD but other emerging viral or bacterial diseases.
He emphasized that there is no official outbreak of HFMD in the municipality.
“I am not authorized to declare an outbreak,” he explained. “Only the MHO has the mandate to do so, in accordance with DOH Department Memorandum No. 2023-0103.”
As of July 11, no official declaration of an outbreak has been made by the local health office.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Marvin Malacon has been designated to head a special body tasked with investigating the situation further.
“Rest assured, we will issue an official announcement once we receive confirmation from the DOH or PHO regarding whether these suspected cases are indeed HFMD,” the mayor concluded.
According to PHO records, over 800 HFMD cases have been recorded in Negros Occidental from January to July 2025./PN
