ILOILO – This province is seeing a decline in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases this year, but health authorities are already preparing for a possible resurgence once classes reopen, with children expected to return to crowded classrooms and school environments.
Data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) showed that only six new HFMD cases were recorded from May 9 to May 16, with Barotac Viejo town logging four cases, while Oton and Dumangas recorded one case each.
From Jan. 1 to May 19 this year, the province registered 475 HFMD cases — 16 percent lower than the 564 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.
IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said FMD is a contagious viral infection commonly affecting children and is characterized by painful sores in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet. It is usually caused by the coxsackievirus.
Quiñon said the temporary decline in cases may be linked to the absence of face-to-face classes in elementary and secondary schools, where transmission among children is more common.
The IPHO reminded parents to immediately isolate children showing signs and symptoms of HFMD and avoid bringing them to public places such as malls and playgrounds to prevent further transmission.
Health officials also urged parents to disinfect toys and frequently touched objects, ensure proper handwashing, and strengthen children’s immune systems through adequate sleep, vitamins, fruits, and proper medication when necessary.
Symptoms of HFMD include fever, sore throat, painful blister-like lesions in the mouth, rashes on the hands and feet, irritability among infants and toddlers, and loss of appetite.
Passi City recorded the highest number of HFMD cases so far this year with 44, followed by Mina with 42, Barotac Nuevo with 38, Dumangas with 34, and Barotac Viejo with 33.
Other municipalities with notable cases include Janiuay (17), San Rafael (16), Santa Barbara (14), Banate (14), and New Lucena (14).
Other municipalities which reported cases were: Calinog (13), Leon (13), Cabatuan (12), Oton (11), San Miguel (11), Tigbauan (11), Maasin (10), Miag-ao (10), Alimodian (nine), Carles (nine), Concepcion (eight), Guimbal (eight), Badiangan (seven), Bingawan (seven), Dueñas (seven), Lambunao (seven), Anilao (six), Pototan (six), Balasan (five), Batad (five), Estancia (five), Lemery (five), San Enrique (four), San Joaquin (four), Igbaras (three), Pavia (three), Sara (three), Ajuy (two), Leganes (one), San Dionisio (one), Tubungan (one), and Zarraga (one).
IPHO said Dingle remains the only town in Iloilo province with no recorded HFMD case so far this year./PN
