ILOILO — Health authorities have raised the alarm as Iloilo Province recorded a 190% spike in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases, with 917 logged between January 1 and July 5, 2025 — up from just 316 during the same period last year.
HFMD, a highly contagious viral illness, spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as saliva, mucus, blister discharge, or feces. It can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces like toys, utensils, or bedding.
The Provincial Health Office (IPHO) reported that most of the cases are children aged one to nine years, prompting urgent calls for stronger parental vigilance and public health discipline, particularly in schools and childcare settings.
“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,” said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon.
She urged parents to monitor their children for HFMD symptoms such as fever, sore throat, fatigue, painful sores in the mouth, and rashes on the hands, feet, or buttocks — and to avoid sending symptomatic children to school or public places.
Communities reporting the highest number of cases include Carles (75), Barotac Nuevo (58), Concepcion (54), Lambunao (53), Passi City (42), Balasan (38), Santa Barbara (37), Barotac Viejo (35), Lemery (35), and Dumangas (32).
Only the town of Duenas has remained HFMD-free as of this reporting period.
Other municipalities with reported cases include Cabatuan (30), Leon (29), Tigbauan (29), San Rafael (27), Pototan (25), Igbaras (24), San Joaquin (24), New Lucena (23), Badiangan (22), Janiuay (21), Batad (19), Calinog (19), Alimodian (16), San Dionisio (16), Zarraga (15), Tubungan (14), Pavia (13), Bingawan (12), Banate (11), San Enrique (11), Guimbal (10), Ajuy (9), Miagao (8), Oton (8), Estancia (5), Maasin (4), Mina (3), Sara (3), Anilao (2), Dingle (2), Leganes (2), and San Miguel (2).
The IPHO continues to support the provincial government through intensified monitoring and public health advisories, emphasizing that proper hygiene — particularly regular handwashing — remains the most effective preventive measure./PN
