Local officials in Solsona, Ilocos Norte have suspended face-to-face classes following a sharp rise in suspected cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD).

The Municipal Health Office reported 151 suspected cases from January to September this 2025.

To contain the spread, the Rural Health Unit has opened a fast lane for HFMD patients, while the mayor issued an executive order suspending in-person classes in all public and private schools until September 12, 2025.

Classes will shift to modular learning, and disinfection is underway in classrooms.

Dr. Renzie Godfrey Magpali, Solsona’s municipal health officer, said the measures aim to quarantine both students and teachers to stop the outbreak.

The situation mirrors a wider regional concern. The Center for Health Development (CHD) Region 1 recorded 2,290 suspected HFMD cases from January 1 to August 23, including 267 cases logged in just two weeks from August 11 to 23.

“Ang HFMD ay katulad ng Covid-19 na nakakahawa via respiratory droplet, so ibig sabihing kung humatsing o umubo ‘yung isang bata na may HFMD maaari siyang maglabas ng maliliit na laway o sipon na nagdadala ng virus,” Dr. Rheuel Bobis, CHD-1 spokesperson said.

In Pangasinan, schools continue to enforce safety practices to prevent infections.

“Dapat palagi sila naghuhugas ng kamay, bago kumain at after nila kumain para iwas sakit,” Dr. Joel Cervas, principal of Maasin Elementary School in Mangaldan, said.

Parents are also stepping up precautions at home.

“Pinaliliguan ko araw-araw ang anak ko, tsaka dapat maghugas siya palagi para iwas sakit,” Abigail Molano, a mother, said.

HFMD is a viral infection. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, sore throat, fatigue, and rashes on the body, according to CHD Region 1.