In a time when schools are under increasing pressure to maintain health and safety standards, the Preventive Alert System in Schools (PASS) for Mpox stands out as a structured, school-based health surveillance model. Unlike other emergency responses that kick in during outbreaks, PASS is a preventive protocol—not just a reactionary measure. It enables schools to spot, trace, and treat Mpox cases before they become threats to the wider student population.
According to the Department of Health (DOH) and recent updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), Mpox (Monkeypox) is a re-emerging public health concern that spreads through close contact, and early detection is key to containing outbreaks.
👩⚕️ Daily Defense: Health Inspections at the Frontline
PASS begins with a daily health inspection led by the teacher or designated school personnel. This seemingly simple routine of observation and check-ups becomes a first line of defense. Learners are encouraged to report symptoms early, such as fever, rashes, or fatigue, allowing school personnel to act before conditions worsen. This part of the system not only promotes health awareness but also fosters accountability among students and staff.
🔍 Validation Protocol: Fact-Checking Symptoms Before Action
The next vital step in the process is validation, which prevents unnecessary panic and ensures that only probable or suspect cases are escalated. Here, the teacher or designated school health official reviews the reported symptoms. This protocol upholds the accuracy of the health alert system, reducing false alarms while ensuring timely intervention for real cases.
📞 Referral System: Swift Connections to Health Authorities
Once a case is validated, it is immediately referred to the school head, who becomes the bridge between the school and local health units such as the LHO (Local Health Office), LESU (Local Epidemiology Surveillance Unit), or RESU (Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit). According to DOH circulars, the immediacy of referral is essential in preventing community transmission, especially in closed environments like classrooms. The school head also ensures that parents are informed of their child’s health condition, creating a transparent process that keeps families in the loop.
🧩 Contact Tracing🧭: Identifying the Invisible Web
While awaiting test results, contact tracing is initiated to map possible transmissions. Unlike reactive measures, this is done proactively by tracing classmates, teachers, or staff who may have interacted with the suspect case. According to WHO recommendations, rapid contact tracing significantly lowers transmission rates and is considered the gold standard in outbreak control. In PASS, this is carried out by the school head in close coordination with the LHO/LESU/RESU.
👀 Monitoring in Isolation: Silent Vigilance
Once isolated, whether in a home setting or temporary quarantine area, the school health personnel continually monitor the health status of the affected learner. This stage isn't just about waiting—it’s about observing whether symptoms escalate, stabilize, or disappear. The surveillance here plays a key role in shaping decisions for treatment or reintegration.
💊 Treatment Tailored to Symptoms
Should symptoms worsen, the student is provided with supportive treatment for fever, pain, and pruritus (itchiness). The PASS system aligns this with clinical guidelines set by local health offices, ensuring treatments are medically sound. The LHO, LESU, or RESU takes charge of this phase, reinforcing the collaborative effort between school-based and government health units.
📆 Follow-Up Checks: Closing the Loop
Recovery doesn’t mean an automatic return to school. Within three days after the isolation period, a follow-up health check is conducted. In cases that were confirmed, a medical certificate from the attending physician is mandatory. This step ensures not only the student’s full recovery but also protects the rest of the school population.
📂 Records and Reports: Evidence-Based Practice
The final step in PASS is documentation. Reports, referral slips, and medical certifications are recorded and filed to create a transparent and accountable record of actions taken. These files become valuable references for future health incidents, audits, or even policy revisions.
🏫 Why PASS Matters Now More Than Ever
As schools reopen nationwide, protocols like PASS are not just recommendations—they are lifelines. According to DepEd guidelines and DOH Memorandum 2022-0300, schools are duty-bound to protect learners through layered, science-based approaches. PASS turns this obligation into an operational reality, customized for the school setting.
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