ILOILO – This province recorded a 3,325 percent increase in cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), a mild but contagious viral infection common in young children.
From Jan. 1 to April 9, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) listed 137 cases – way higher than the four cases recorded in the same period last year.
“There’s no specific treatment for HFMD. Frequent hand-washing and avoiding close contact with people who are infected with such disease may help reduce your child’s risk of infection,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, IPHO chief.
Here’s the breakdown of the 137 cases – Concepcion town (21), Banate (17), Cabatuan (13), Pavia (10), Ajuy (nine), Calinog (nine), Mina (seven), Bingawan (seven), New Lucena (six), Dueñas (six), Igbaras (five), Miag-ao (four), Passi City (four), Sara (three), Leon (three), Anilao (three), Janiuay (two), Dingle (two), and Pototan, San Dionisio, Lemery, Barotac Nuevo, Santa Barbara, and Guimbal (one case each).
No case has so far been detected in Alimodian, Badiangan, Balasan, Barotac Viejo, Batad, Carles, Dumangas, Estancia, Lambunao, Leganes, Maasin, Oton, San Enrique, San Joaquin, San Miguel, San Rafael, Tigbauan, Tubungan, and Zarraga.
Colmenares-Quiñon said HFMD is characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It is commonly caused by the coxsackievirus.
Rashes or blisters may also be found on the feet, legs or buttocks.
The other signs and symptoms are fever, sore throat, feeling unwell, irritability in infants and toddlers, and loss of appetite./PN