HFMD cases plunge in Iloilo, yet these towns buck the trend

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Iloilo province declined by 40% in the first half of 2026, although several municipalities continued to report new infections, according to data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

The PHO recorded 500 HFMD cases from Jan. 4 to June 27, down from 838 cases logged during the same period last year.

No deaths were recorded.

Despite the overall decline, Dumangas registered the highest number of cases with 48, followed by Passi City with 44, Mina with 42, Barotac Nuevo with 40, and Barotac Viejo with 33.

Dumangas also recorded the highest number of newly reported cases during the latest monitoring week with six, while single new cases were logged in New Lucena, Cabatuan, Oton, and Guimbal.

Several municipalities posted significant increases compared with the same period in 2025 despite having relatively low case counts.

Mina recorded the sharpest increase, rising from two cases last year to 42 cases this year, equivalent to a 2,000% jump.

Other areas with notable increases were San Miguel (400%), Dueñas (250%), Anilao (200%), Oton (160%), Maasin (150%), Banate (100%), and Estancia (60%).

Meanwhile, many municipalities registered substantial declines in cases.

Carles posted one of the largest decreases, dropping from 74 cases in 2025 to 10 this year, while Concepcion fell from 54 to eight cases, Lambunao from 40 to seven, Balasan from 38 to five, and Santa Barbara from 37 to 14.

Based on PHO data, the province’s overall attack rate stood at 24.09 cases per 100,000 population.

HFMD is a contagious viral illness that commonly affects infants and young children, particularly those younger than five years old.

It is characterized by fever, painful mouth sores, and skin rashes on the hands and feet.

The disease is most often caused by coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71 and spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, nasal discharge, blister fluid, or feces.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for HFMD, and most patients recover within seven to 10 days with supportive care, although health officials monitor cases closely because severe complications, while rare, can occur in young children.

Health authorities continue to remind parents and caregivers to practice proper hand hygiene, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and keep infected children at home to prevent further transmission.