ILOILO – A dramatic 322% spike in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases has alarmed provincial health officials, as the number of infections soared to 1,393 as of July 26, 2025, up from just 330 cases during the same period last year.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has raised the alarm over the contagious viral illness, which primarily affects children aged one to nine. In just one morbidity week, 132 new cases were added to the growing total, signaling a worsening trend across multiple municipalities.
“We are predominantly seeing cases in children aged one to nine years old,” said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon. “If a child displays any signs of HFMD, it’s essential to keep them at home to protect both their health and the well-being of their peers.”
She cautioned parents against sending symptomatic children to school or public places, especially those with rashes or lesions on their hands, feet, or inside their mouths.
HFMD is caused by viruses from the enterovirus group and spreads easily through contact with an infected person’s nasal secretions, saliva, blister fluid, or stool.
Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, mouth sores, red rashes on hands and feet, irritability, and loss of appetite.
The Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 reinforced the call for vigilance, emphasizing that the disease is most contagious in its first week.
“Early detection, home isolation, and strict hygiene are key to curbing the spread,” the DOH said.
The IPHO has ramped up its information campaign, urging frequent handwashing, thorough disinfection of surfaces, and immediate reporting of suspected cases.
Areas with the highest HFMD cases are Passi City (119) and the towns of Barotac Nuevo (80), Carles (78), Lambunao (76), Concepcion (71), Tigbauan (67), Barotac Viejo (53), Lemery (50), Dumangas (49), and Leon (47).
Several other towns have also reported cases, with numbers ranging from two to 45, including Miag-ao (45), San Rafael (41), Balasan (40), Tubungan (39), Igbaras (38), Santa Barbara (38), Cabatuan (36), Calinog (34), Badiangan (32), Janiuay (32), San Enrique (32), San Joaquin (26), Pototan (25), New Lucena (24), San Dionisio (24), Zarraga (21), Alimodian (20), Batad (20), Bingawan (20), Dueñas (17), Ajuy (14), Guimbal (14), Pavia (14), Oton (13), Banate (12), Estancia (8), Sara (5), Anilao (4), Maasin (4), Mina (4), Leganes (3), Dingle (2), and San Miguel (2).
Health authorities warn that without community cooperation, the outbreak could worsen in the coming weeks.
“Let us remain vigilant and take this seriously. Prevention starts at home,” Dr. Colmenares-Quiñon emphasized./PN