ILOILO – Health authorities have sounded the alarm over a possible outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Iloilo province after cases soared by 500 percent, with children bearing the brunt of the infections.
Data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) revealed 2,637 HFMD cases recorded from January 1 to September 20, 2025 (morbidity week 38), a massive spike compared to just 423 cases in the same period last year.
No locality has been spared, but Passi City has emerged as the epicenter with 248 cases, followed by Tigbauan (153), Lambunao (152), Leon (140), and Tubungan (117).
“This is a concerning public health development,” PHO officials noted, citing the rapid spread of the highly contagious viral disease, which is caused by Coxsackievirus and Enterovirus.
HFMD typically affects children ages one to nine years old, whose developing immune systems and close contact in schools and daycare centers make them particularly vulnerable.
The disease manifests through fever, sore throat, and painful rashes or blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth.
Transmission occurs through droplets, direct contact, or contaminated objects, enabling the virus to spread swiftly in crowded settings.
Regional health officials underscored the urgency of preventive action.
“It’s our collective responsibility to protect our children and our community. Parents and caregivers must act swiftly if symptoms appear to prevent the further spread of this illness,” said Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 director Dr. Annabelle Yumang.
The DOH has reiterated basic precautions: frequent handwashing, disinfecting toys and surfaces, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and keeping infected children at home until they fully recover.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon likewise urged vigilance: “Adherence to frequent handwashing and proper hygiene practices is crucial in controlling the spread of this disease.”
If a child presents any indications of HFMD, it is essential to keep them at home to prevent transmission to other children and to minimize the risk of outbreaks within schools and communities, she added.
In response to the surge, local authorities have intensified information drives and community awareness campaigns to educate parents, teachers, and caregivers on hygiene, symptom recognition, and early medical consultation.
Health experts warn that without collective action, the province risks facing a full-scale outbreak that could strain local healthcare resources./PN
