ILOILO – This province recorded 3,419 cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) from Jan. 1 to Oct. 14 of this year. This represents a 56,883 percent increase from last year’s only six cases in the same period.
Throughout 2022, the province recorded a total of 476 cases.
HFMD is characterized by painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It is commonly caused by the coxsackievirus and is a contagious infection that primarily affects children.
Data from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) showed 10 municipalities, including Passi City, with the highest cases. These were Santa Barbara (364), Lambunao (198), Alimodian (194), Calinog (176), Badiangan (163), Barotac Viejo (159), Mina (137), Janiuay (137), Leon (136), and Passi City (125).
The cases from the remaining towns were: Banate (114), Bingawan (105), New Lucena (100), Tubungan (100), Dumangas (97), Igbaras (85), Maasin (84), Tigbauan (80), Sara (76), Pototan (75), San Rafael (75), Barotac Nuevo (71), Miagao (70), San Dionisio (68), Pavia (66), Zarraga (58), Lemery (57), Oton (42), Concepcion (36), Cabatuan (36), Ajuy (30), Anilao (23), San Miguel (20), San Joaquin (15), Batad (11), Dueñas (11), Balasan (nine), Guimbal (six), San Enrique (three), Leganes (two), Dingle (two), Carles (two), and Estancia (one).
All 43 towns, including Passi City, reported HFMD cases this year.
The trend of HFMD cases in the province is on the decline because, for morbidity week 41 (Oct. 7 to 14); there were only three new cases reported, two from Calinog and one from Lemery.
In previous interviews, IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon explained that the spike in HFMD cases is due to the active advocacy campaigns of municipal health offices.
Once parents recognize the signs and symptoms of HFMD in their children, they immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health facilities.
HFMD symptoms can include all or some of the following:
* fever
* sore throat
* malaise
* painful, red, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks
* a red rash, sometimes with blistering, on the palms, soles, and occasionally the buttocks, which typically does not itch
* irritability in infants and toddlers
* loss of appetite
Quiñon reiterated her reminder to parents to ensure that their children consistently wash their hands with soap and clean water, especially after playing, as a preventive measure against HFMD.
Proper hygiene remains the simplest way to prevent an HFMD infection, Quiñon stressed.
The recommended preventive measures are:
* regular and proper handwashing with soap and water
* practicing good personal hygiene, including regular bathing
* covering your nose and mouth when sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
* not sharing food, utensils, or other personal items with someone infected with HFMD
* cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, and door handles
* wearing a facemask for protection not just against HFMD but also COVID-19 and other diseases/PN
