HFMD cases in Iloilo rise by 700 percent

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

Cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Iloilo increased by a whopping 751 percent in 2023, based on latest data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

IPHO data for the 25th morbidity week (January 1 to June 24) indicated 3,388 new HFMD cases this year so far, way up from 398 cases in the same period in 2022.

Santa Barbara town reflected the highest spike (18,050 percent) from only 2 cases last year to 363 cases this year.

The other four towns in the top five with the most number of new HFMD cases for 2023 include Lambunao (198), Alimodian (190), Calinog (172), and Badiangan (162).

Alimodian is also one of the towns which did not have any HFMD cases at around the same time in 2022. Other towns with zero cases last year but posted infections this year are Dumangas (97), Oton (41), San Miguel (20), Batad (11), Balasan (9), San Enrique (3), Leganes (2), and Estancia (1).

Only 2 towns to record decreases between 2022 and 20223 were San Joaquin (from 16 to 15), and Dingle (6 to 2).

Only the town of Carles remains HFMD-free in Iloilo.

IPHO chief Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said 32 new cases were added to the list recently – 26 in Passi City, and the rest in Maasin and Barotac Nuevo.

Quiñon attributed the high rise in cases in Santa Barbara to the LGU’s surveillance process, citing its microscopic process of going down to the barangay level, as well as the physical return of children to schools and daycare centers.

Quiñon reminded the public of frequent handwashing with water and soap, the use of facemasks when feeling symptoms of fever, cough and colds, and rashes.

“Let’s not ignore this when we notice the signs. Please approach your rural health units and consult so you can get the proper treatment and prevent complications including meningitis and [possible] heart problems,” she said.

The Department of Health has placed HFMD as a Category 1 (immediately notifiable) disease under Republic Act No. 11332 (Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act).