ILOILO – A number of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) cases has been reported in the province, with 36 of its 43 towns, including Passi City, affected from January to March this year.
According to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), the towns of Alimodian, Dingle, Dueñas, Estancia, Pavia, San Enrique, and San Miguel have not reported any cases of HFMD during this period.
HFMD is a contagious viral infection most commonly seen in young children, characterized by sores in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet.
The current cases, however, mark a significant decrease of 93 percent in cases, down to 219 from 3,278 cases during the same period in 2023.
The towns with the highest number of cases are Igbaras (27), Lambunao (18), Barotac Nuevo (15), Santa Barbara (14), Oton (14), Barotac Viejo (14), Banate (12), Maasin (12), Lemery (11), and San Dionisio (eight).
Additionally, 26 other towns, including Passi City, have reported cases, with numbers ranging from one to seven cases.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, chief of the IPHO, said majority of those affected are children, especially those in daycare and grade school levels, due to high risks of transmission through play and the sharing of commonly handled objects.
Parents are urged to be vigilant for early symptoms of HFMD and to seek excusal of their child from classes for seven to 10 days to prevent further spread.
Daycare centers are reminded to maintain high standards of sanitation, including frequent disinfection of surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, and chairs.
Quiñon attributes the significant reduction in HFMD cases this year to increased awareness and preventive measures, including campaigns, reminders, and advisories from the IPHO in collaboration with Municipal Health Offices.
These efforts focus on maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and the isolation of children showing signs and symptoms of HFMD.
HFMD symptoms can include fever, sore throat, general malaise, painful red blisters in the mouth, a red rash on the palms and soles (sometimes with blistering), irritability in infants and toddlers, and loss of appetite./PN
