Iloilo HFMD cases rise by 382 percent

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Iloilo province have increased by 382 percent this year compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO).

Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the PHO’s Health Service Delivery Division, said the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit recorded 1,685 cases from Jan. 1 to Aug. 9, compared to only 349 cases during the same period last year.

“No deaths have been reported so far,” Labis said.

Of 43 towns, the highest number of cases came from Passi City, with 160 cases compared to only seven last year, marking a 2,186 percent increase.

Other towns with high numbers of cases include Lambunao (99), Barotac Nuevo (95), Tigbauan (88), Carles (78), Concepcion (75), Barotac Viejo (66), Lemery (64), Leon (61), and Miagao (57).

“Our data show that most HFMD cases are among children ages 1 to 5,” Labis said. “Most cases are mild, but some children under 1 had to be hospitalized due to painful mouth rashes that caused difficulty in eating and drinking, which led to dehydration.”

He explained that HFMD is a viral illness that mostly affects children.

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and rashes on the mouth, legs, arms, soles of the feet, buttocks, and palms of the hands. While complications are rare, untreated rashes may lead to bacterial infections.

Labis advised parents to immediately bring children showing symptoms to the nearest health center or medical provider.

He also urged children with symptoms to stay home from school and avoid public places to prevent transmission.

To avoid infection, the PHO strongly recommends frequent handwashing, avoiding the sharing of personal items such as toys, pens, cellphones, and handkerchiefs, and refraining from touching the eyes, nose, and mouth.