ILOILO – This province is grappling with a rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), with cases soaring by 136% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
From January 1 to May 31, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded 678 HFMD cases — nearly double the 287 cases documented during the same time in 2024.
The sudden uptick has prompted renewed calls for heightened hygiene practices, especially for children aged one to nine who account for most of the infections.
HFMD is a contagious viral illness marked by painful mouth sores and rashes on the hands and feet. It is typically caused by the coxsackievirus and spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, nasal discharge, feces, or contaminated objects.
The municipalities with the highest number of cases so far are Carles (63), Concepcion (53), Barotac Nuevo (47), Santa Barbara (36), Balasan (34), Lambunao (33), Cabatuan (28), Igbaras (24), Dumangas (23), and San Joaquin (23).
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon earlier warned parents to remain vigilant, urging them not to send children to school or public areas if they exhibit symptoms such as lesions or rashes on the hands, feet, or inside the mouth.
“We’re seeing most patients in the one to nine years age group. Frequent handwashing and hygiene are essential. If a child shows signs, keep them home to avoid infecting others,” she stressed.
The Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 has echoed the urgency, reiterating that HFMD is most contagious during the first week of illness. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, painful red lesions in the mouth, a red rash with blisters on the hands and feet, irritability, and appetite loss.
While there is no specific cure, symptoms can be managed through hydration, soft cold foods, and over-the-counter medications. Parents are advised to consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 10 days or if breathing and swallowing become difficult.
To curb transmission, DOH-6 recommends frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces and objects, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and staying away from crowded places.
Thirty other areas in Iloilo have reported cases: Barotac Viejo (22), Tigbauan (22), Passi City (20), Leon (20), Janiuay (19), Pototan (19), Batad (17), San Rafael (16), Calinog (14), San Dionisio (14), Tubungan (14), Zarraga (14), Lemery (13), New Lucena (13), Alimodian (12), Pavia (10), Guimbal (seven), Ajuy (six), Miag-ao (six), San Enrique (six), Badiangan (four), Banate (four), Maasin (four), Oton (four), Estancia (three), Anilao (two), Bingawan (two), Dingle (two), Leganes (two), and San Miguel (two).
Only three towns — Dueñas, Mina, and Sara — remain HFMD-free as of the latest monitoring./PN
