ILOILO – Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) cases in the province have significantly decreased, with a drop of 90% from last year, marking a shift from one of the major health challenges faced in 2023 to a more controllable situation this year.
According to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), only 355 cases of HFMD were recorded from January 1 to August 24, 2024, a deep decline from the 3,408 cases reported during the same period in 2023.
HFMD is known for painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet, primarily affecting children and caused by the coxsackievirus, a highly contagious infection.
The IPHO has highlighted Igbaras, Lambunao, Maasin, Janiuay, Barotac Viejo, Lemery, Oton, Banate, Santa Barbara, and Leon as the top municipalities with the highest number of cases.
Of the 42 municipalities in the province and the component city of Passi, 37 have reported HFMD cases, while five have not registered any cases this year.
The remaining cases across 27 areas vary, with the highest numbers in Carles, San Joaquin, and Tubungan, each reporting 12 cases.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the IPHO, credits the sharp decrease in cases to heightened public awareness, particularly among parents, on how to prevent the spread of HFMD.
This follows an extensive advocacy campaign initiated by the IPHO and municipal health offices in 2023, focusing on widespread information dissemination and encouraging the practice of proper hygiene among children.
This proactive approach has led to significant improvements in managing HFMD in Iloilo, with the communities of Alimodian, Dingle, Dueñas, Pavia, San Enrique, and San Miguel having no reported cases this year.
Here’s the breakdown of cases in the 27 areas: Carles (12), San Joaquin (12), Tubungan (12), Badiangan (eight), Calinog (eight), San Dionisio (eight), Dumangas (seven), Mina (seven), Passi City (seven), Zarraga (seven), Balasan (six), Tigbauan (six), Ajuy (five), Batad (five), Cabatuan (five), Anilao (four), New Lucena (four), Pototan (four), Bingawan (three), Concepcion (three), Guimbal (three), Leganes (three), Miag-ao (three), Sara (two), Estancia (one), and San Rafael (one).
According to the IPHO, once parents recognize the signs and symptoms of HFMD in their children, they should 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
