HFMD cases in Iloilo surge by over 500%

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Iloilo Province have increased by more than 500 percent this year, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

Data from the IPHO showed that as of September 20, the province logged 2,637 cases since the start of the year compared to 423 in the same period last year, reflecting a 523 percent increase.

Of 43 towns, Passi City posted the highest number of cases with 248, followed by Tigbauan with 153, Lambunao with 152, Leon with 140, and Tubungan with 117.

Dr. Rodney R. Labis, Provincial Health Officer I and head of the Health Service Delivery Division, said most of the cases involved children aged 1 to 9 years old, comprising about 85 percent of the total.

“Most transmissions occur in daycare centers and elementary schools. Since symptoms are usually mild, such as fever and rashes, children continue to attend classes. This leads to exposure among classmates and sustained transmission,” he explained.

He warned that unless parents and school personnel impose stricter measures, the number of cases may continue to rise.

“If a child shows symptoms like fever, cough, or rashes, they should no longer be sent to school. Parents must seek medical consultation immediately, and schools should coordinate with Rural Health Units (RHUs) for proper care like disinfection procedures,” he urged.

HFMD is a viral infection that mainly affects children but can occur at any age.

It is caused by enteroviruses, most often Coxsackievirus A16, which typically leads to mild illness, though other strains, such as Enterovirus 71 (EV-71), have been linked to more severe complications.

The disease spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and through contact with contaminated saliva, nasal discharges, urine, or stool of an infected person.

It can also spread through shared toys, utensils, and classroom facilities.

The IPHO advised the public to practice regular handwashing with soap and water and to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

“There is no vaccine yet for HFMD, so prevention remains the most effective way to avoid infection. With the cooperation of parents, schools, and communities, we can help control the rise of cases,” Dr. Labis stressed.