Iloilo HFMD cases drop 67%

ILOILO CITY — Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in Iloilo province dropped by 67 percent compared with the same period last year, with 853 cases recorded from Jan. 4 to Sept. 19, according to the Provincial Health Office.

The figure was down from 2,563 cases reported during the same period in 2025.

Despite the sharp decline, 22 new cases were recorded during the latest reporting week from Sept. 13 to 19.

Among the 42 local government units that reported cases, Dumangas recorded the highest number at 125, accounting for nearly 15 percent of the provincial total.

This represented a 58 percent increase from the 79 cases recorded during the same period last year.

Cabatuan followed with 59 cases, Barotac Nuevo with 57, Alimodian with 46 and Mina with 43.

Dingle was the only municipality with no reported HFMD cases during the period.

HFMD is a viral illness that commonly affects children.

Symptoms may include low-grade fever, mouth sores and skin rashes or blisters on the hands and feet.

The infection can spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person, as well as through contaminated objects and surfaces such as doorknobs, chairs, tables, mobile phones and pens.

Health authorities advise parents and caregivers to observe proper hygiene and sanitation to help prevent the spread of the disease.

They recommend regular handwashing with soap and clean water, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.

Toys and frequently touched objects should also be cleaned and disinfected regularly, while children should be reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.