ILOILO – Twenty-three of the 42 towns and one component city in this province have so far recorded cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) this month.
From January 1 to January 18, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) reported 48 HFMD cases — a 48% drop compared to the 92 cases reported during the same period in 2024.
The towns with the highest number of cases are Carles (8), Cabatuan (4), Lemery (4), Alimodian (3), San Joaquin (3), Barotac Nuevo (3), Tigbauan (2), Barotac Viejo (2), Calinog (2), and Passi City (2).
Thirteen other towns also reported HFMD cases, including Santa Barbara (2), Oton (2), Leon (1), Banate (1), San Enrique (1), Tubungan (1), Batad (1), Dumangas (1), Guimbal (1), Lambunao (1), Leganes (1), New Lucena (1), and Pavia (1).
Meanwhile, 20 towns have reported no HFMD cases as of January 18. These are Ajuy, Anilao, Badiangan, Balasan, Bingawan, Concepcion, Dingle, Dueñas, Estancia, Igbaras, Janiuay, Maasin, Miag-ao, Mina, Pototan, San Dionisio, San Miguel, San Rafael, Sara, and Zarraga.
About HFMD
HFMD is a contagious viral infection, commonly caused by the coxsackievirus, that primarily affects children. It is characterized by painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, malaise; painful, red, blister-like lesions in the mouth; rash on the palms, soles, or buttocks, sometimes with blistering; irritability in infants and toddlers; and loss of appetite
The virus is most infectious during the first week of infection and spreads through contact with nasal secretions, saliva, feces, or contaminated objects.
Preventive Measures
Despite the decrease in cases, the IPHO continues to remind the public to maintain good hygiene to prevent HFMD. Recommended measures include:
* regular handwashing with soap and water
* proper body hygiene
* disinfecting surfaces and objects
* avoiding the sharing of personal items
* proper disposal of garbage
* covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
* avoiding close contact, such as kissing or hugging, with infected individuals
* staying away from public places if infected
Parents and guardians are urged to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if children experience any of the following: difficulty swallowing or breathing; worsening or persistent symptoms; and no improvement after 10 days.
The IPHO emphasizes vigilance and prompt action to curb the spread of HFMD, particularly among children./PN
