ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) has started an early awareness campaign against hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Western Visayas, targeting parents and guardians of young children, who are most vulnerable to the disease.
HFMD is a contagious viral infection primarily caused by the coxsackievirus. It is characterized by painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.
According to DOH Region 6, HFMD is particularly infectious during the first week of infection and spreads through contact with nasal discharge, saliva, feces, or objects touched by an infected person.
The symptoms of HFMD include fever, sore throat, general discomfort or malaise; painful, red, blister like lesions on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks; red rash, often with blistering, on the palms, soles, and occasionally the buttocks; irritability in infants and toddlers; and loss of appetite.
While there is no specific treatment for HFMD, DOH-6 said symptoms can be alleviated through the following:
* drinking plenty of fluids
* eating soft food and consuming cold drinks to reduce oral discomfort
* taking over-the-counter medications for pain and fever, though a doctor’s consultation is advised
Parents and guardians are urged to seek medical attention if their child experiences difficulty swallowing or breathing, if symptoms worsen, or if there is no improvement after 10 days.
To prevent the spread of HFMD, DOH-6 recommends the following:
* maintaining personal hygiene
* frequent handwashing
* disinfecting surfaces and contaminated objects
* avoiding sharing personal items
* proper garbage disposal
* covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
* cvoiding close contact with infected individuals
* staying away from crowded places
HFMD in Iloilo Province
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has continuously reminded parents to stay vigilant, especially after a surge in cases in 2023.
IPHO data shows 3,497 cases were recorded in the province that year.
Due to intensified campaigns and awareness efforts, particularly in day care centers and elementary schools, cases dropped by 79% in 2024, with only 723 cases reported.
The municipalities with the highest number of HFMD cases in 2024 were Maasin (71), Leon (49), San Joaquin (41), Barotac Viejo (36), Lambunao (35), Tigbauan (34), Lemery (31), Calinog (28), Barotac Nuevo (27), and Igbaras (27).
The remaining 30 municipalities, including Passi City, recorded fewer cases, with New Lucena (26) and Tubungan (24) topping the list. Notably, no HFMD cases were reported in Dingle, Dueñas, and San Enrique.
The other towns with HFMD cases were Janiuay (23), Zarraga (22), Oton (21), Santa Barbara (21), Bingawan (19), Banate (18), Alimodian (16), Cabatuan (15), Carles (15), Passi City (14), Dumangas (13), Guimbal (11), Badiangan (10), Miag-ao (nine), Mina (nine), San Dionisio (eight), Ajuy (seven), Balasan (seven), Anilao (six), Batad (five), Pototan (five), Leganes (four), Sara (four), Concepcion (three), San Rafael (three), Pavia (three), San Miguel (two), and Estancia (one)./PN