ILOILO – Health authorities are raising the alarm over a spike in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in this province, with young children making up the overwhelming majority of those infected.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) reported that from January 1 to April 26 this year, 487 HFMD cases were recorded, 473 of which involved children aged nine years and below. Of these, 411 cases were among children aged one to nine years, while 52 were infants less than a month old.
“This is very concerning. The fact that even newborns are getting infected means the virus is reaching them through carriers — most likely older children or adults who bring the virus home,” said IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon.
HFMD is a contagious viral illness often caused by the coxsackievirus. It is characterized by painful sores in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet. Children are particularly vulnerable, and the disease spreads quickly through contact with saliva, nasal discharge, feces, and contaminated surfaces.
Dr. Quiñon noted that many of the infected children were initially seen in rural health units (RHUs) for rashes on their hands and feet, which later spread to their mouths. In severe cases, children were referred to hospitals because they could no longer eat or swallow due to painful oral sores.
Despite many parents claiming their children stayed home prior to the illness, IPHO suspects household transmission.
“Some parents say their children never went out, so we believe adults or older siblings who interact in school or public places may be unknowingly bringing the virus home,” Quiñon added.
She urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children for symptoms such as fever, rashes, and mouth lesions, and to isolate those showing signs of HFMD to prevent further spread. Frequent handwashing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers were strongly recommended.
According to the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6, HFMD is most infectious during the first week of symptoms. Common signs include fever, sore throat, fatigue, painful red blisters in the mouth, rashes on palms and soles, irritability in infants, and loss of appetite.
While there is no specific treatment, symptoms may be managed with proper hydration, soft or cold food to ease oral pain, and over-the-counter medications for fever and discomfort. Medical consultation is advised, especially if symptoms worsen or persist beyond 10 days.
To contain the spread, DOH-6 advises:
* Frequent handwashing
* Disinfection of surfaces and items
* Avoiding personal item sharing
* Proper garbage disposal
* Covering nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
* Avoiding crowded areas and close contact with infected individuals
The municipalities with the highest number of HFMD cases are Carles (54), Concepcion (41), Barotac Nuevo (29), Balasan (29), Santa Barbara (28), Cabatuan (24), Igbaras (22), Lambunao (20), Dumangas (18), and Tigbauan (17).
Other affected areas are San Joaquin (17), Janiuay (15), Passi City (14), Tubungan (13), Leon (12), Barotac Viejo (11), Pototan (10), Alimodian (10), Calinog (10), New Lucena (nine), San Rafael (nine), Zarraga (eight), Lemery (seven), San Dionisio (six), Batad (six), Pavia (six), Guimbal (five), San Enrique (five), Ajuy (five), Miag-ao (four), Oton (four), Banate (three), Maasin (three), Anilao (two), Dingle (two), Estancia (two), Badiangan (two), Leganes (two), Bingawan (two), and San Miguel (one).
Only three towns — Dueñas, Mina, and Sara — have remained HFMD-free as of this reporting./PN
