DepEd orders schools to step up dengue, leptospirosis prevention amid rains

The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered public schools nationwide to strengthen measures against dengue and leptospirosis as heavy monsoon rains and tropical cyclones increase the risk of water- and mosquito-borne diseases.

Under its latest advisories, DepEd directed school heads, health personnel and staff to intensify sanitation, health monitoring and case reporting in schools.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said learner and personnel safety must remain a priority during health and environmental emergencies.

“Katulad ng palaging paalala ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, hindi dapat nahihinto o naaalanganin ang edukasyon dahil sa mga banta sa kalusugan at kalamidad,” Angara said.

(As President Bongbong Marcos has always reminded us, education should not stop or be disrupted because of health threats and disasters.)

Angara also called on schools and families to work together in preventing the spread of disease.

“Ating ipinapanawagan sa ating mga school heads, guro, at magulang na magtulungan. Ang simpleng pagpapanatili ng kalinisan sa ating paligid, ang pagpuksa sa mga pinagmumulan ng lamok at pag-iwas sa pagbabad sa baha, ay malaking bagay upang mailayo ang ating mga kabataan sa sakit.”

(We are calling on our school heads, teachers and parents to work together. Simply keeping our surroundings clean, eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and avoiding exposure to floodwaters can go a long way in protecting our children from disease.)

DOH Enhanced 4S Strategy

DepEd instructed schools to implement the Department of Health’s Enhanced 4S Strategy against dengue: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, and support fogging or spraying only when recommended by local health authorities.

Schools are also expected to regularly inspect classrooms, school grounds, gardens, toilets, storage areas, gutters and drainage systems for stagnant water.

The 4Ts—Taob, Taktak, Tuyo at Takip (turn over, drain, dry and cover)—under the 4 o’clock habit will likewise be incorporated into regular school sanitation activities.

Learners and school personnel are encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants when practicable, use mosquito repellents according to product instructions, and use physical barriers such as window screens and mosquito nets where appropriate.

Schools were also directed to provide age-appropriate health education and promptly refer individuals showing possible dengue symptoms, including sudden high fever lasting two to seven days, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, abdominal pain or signs of bleeding.

Keep children out of floodwaters

DepEd also warned school communities about the risk of leptospirosis, which may result from exposure to floodwater or contaminated soil.

Schools were instructed to prohibit learners from swimming, wading or unnecessarily walking through floodwaters and muddy areas.

When exposure cannot be avoided, individuals should use protective gear such as boots and gloves, cover cuts or wounds with waterproof dressings, and immediately wash exposed skin with clean water and soap.

Those exposed to floodwater or potentially contaminated soil are advised to consult a health facility or local health office to determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis is needed.

DepEd stressed that antibiotics or post-exposure prophylaxis should not be self-administered and must only be taken upon the advice or prescription of a qualified health professional.

Schools must also strengthen rodent control and sanitation, including proper disposal of food waste and keeping classrooms, canteens and storage areas clean. Flooded school grounds must be cleaned, disinfected and assessed for safety before learners and personnel are allowed to return.

DepEd launches case-monitoring tool

To speed up reporting, DepEd has rolled out an automated Dengue and Leptospirosis Case Monitoring and Reporting Tool for schools, Schools Division Offices, Regional Offices and the Central Office.

Schools are required to encode reported cases according to DepEd’s internal reporting timelines, including within 24 hours of receiving information.

The department clarified that the monitoring tool is an internal DepEd mechanism and does not replace existing disease-surveillance and notification systems of the DOH and local health authorities.

DepEd urged parents, local governments and community partners to coordinate with schools in maintaining clean and safe learning environments amid the rainy season. — RSJ, GMA News