ILOILO – A total of 365 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) have been recorded across 39 municipalities and Passi City in Iloilo province as of March 22, according to data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
Only four municipalities — Bingawan, Dueñas, Mina, and Sara — remain free of any reported HFMD cases.
HFMD is a contagious viral illness commonly caused by the coxsackievirus. It primarily affects children and is characterized by painful sores in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet.
The number of HFMD cases in Iloilo has increased by 56 percent compared to the same period last year, which saw only 234 cases from January 1 to March 22, 2024.
The localities with the highest number of cases are Carles (42), Concepcion (32), Cabatuan (22), Igbaras (22) Santa Barbara (20), Balasan (18), Dumangas (16), Lambunao (16), Barotac Nuevo (15), and Passi City (13).
The remaining 29 municipalities recorded the following cases: Tubungan (13), Janiuay (12), Tigbauan (12), Barotac Viejo (10), Leon (9), San Joaquin (9), Alimodian (7), Lemery (7), Calinog (6), San Dionisio (6), Guimbal (5), New Lucena (5), Pototan (5), Ajuy (4), Batad (4), San Enrique (4), San Rafael (4), Zarraga (4), Banate (3), Maasin (3), Miag-ao (3), Oton (3), Anilao (2), Dingle (2), Estancia (2), Pavia (2), Badiangan (1), Leganes (1), and San Miguel (1).
In response to the surge, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a public advisory on March 27 urging parents and guardians to protect children from HFMD.
“Let us protect our children against HFMD. This disease can easily affect infants and young kids. Be aware of the symptoms, prevention methods, and proper treatment. Stay vigilant to keep the whole family safe and healthy,” the advisory stated.
According to DOH, symptoms of HFMD include fever, rashes on the mouth, tongue, and face, poor appetite, lethargy, irritability, sore throat, and red, non-itchy rashes typically found on the palms, soles, and other parts of the body.
Parents are advised to take the following measures if a child shows symptoms:
* Encourage drinking plenty of fluids.
* Offer soft foods and cold drinks to ease throat pain.
* Use over-the-counter medications for pain and fever, but consult a doctor for proper guidance.
Medical consultation is strongly advised if the child has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or if symptoms worsen after 10 days.
To prevent the spread of HFMD, DOH urges the public to:
* Maintain good personal hygiene.
* Practice frequent hand washing.
* Disinfect contaminated areas and objects.
* Avoid sharing personal items.
* Properly dispose of garbage.
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
* Avoid kissing or hugging infected individuals.
* Stay away from crowded areas./PN