ILOILO — A widespread surge in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) has gripped Iloilo Province, with 41 municipalities and the component city of Passi now reporting cases, underscoring the rapid spread of the contagious illness among children, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
Data from the IPHO showed that from Jan. 4 to April 4, 2026, the province recorded 444 HFMD cases – a nine percent increase from 408 cases during the same period last year.
“Only one municipality has no recorded case of HFMD, and that is Dingle. All the rest may ara kaso,” said IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon.
Despite the near province-wide spread, Quiñon noted that all cases remain mild, with no deaths recorded so far. Most infections are limited to symptoms such as blisters on the hands and mouth.
HFMD is characterized by painful sores in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet. It is commonly caused by the coxsackievirus and primarily affects young children due to its highly contagious nature.
Health officials expressed particular concern over the sharp increase in San Miguel town, which posted a 1,000 percent surge with 11 cases this year compared to just one case during the same period in 2025.
Among areas with the highest number of cases are Passi City (44), Mina (42), Barotac Nuevo (38), Dumangas (33), Barotac Viejo (25), Janiuay (16), San Rafael (16), Santa Barbara (15), Banate (14), and Calinog (13).
Quiñon urged parents to immediately isolate children showing symptoms to prevent further transmission.
“Ang ginapangabay ta gid sa mga ginikanan nga kun ang mga kabataan naton may HFMD, may mga blisters sa kamot, indi ta na sagi pahampang sa iban para indi ang iban nga bata malatnan,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of proper hygiene, particularly frequent handwashing using soap and water or the use of alcohol and sanitizers./PN
