ILOILO – This province recorded 669 cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) from January 1 to December 7, 2024, an 81% decline compared to the 3,479 cases reported during the same period last year.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) attributed the decrease to heightened public awareness of proper hygiene practices.
This was achieved through an intensified campaign launched in 2023, particularly in schools, to prevent the spread of HFMD among children, said IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon.
She cited the expanded information dissemination efforts by the IPHO and 43 municipal health offices which encouraged parents to adopt stricter hygiene practices for their children.
HFMD, primarily caused by the coxsackievirus, is a contagious infection that affects children. It is characterized by painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.
Early recognition of HFMD symptoms prompted parents to seek medical attention for their children at nearby health facilities, Quiñon said.
Among Iloilo’s 42 municipalities, 40 recorded HFMD cases, while Dingle, Dueñas, and San Enrique reported zero cases.
The municipalities with the highest HFMD cases this year are Maasin (67), Leon (49), San Joaquin (39), Barotac Viejo (34), Lambunao (34), Tigbauan (33), Igbaras (27), Lemery (27), New Lucena (25), and Barotac Nuevo (24).
The remaining municipalities, including the component city of Passi, reported the following cases: Calinog (24), Tubungan (23), Janiuay (22), Oton (20), Banate (18), Santa Barbara (18), Zarraga (18), Bingawan (14), Passi City (14), Cabatuan (13), Dumangas (13), Carles (12), Alimodian (11), Guimbal (11), Miag-ao (9), Badiangan (8), San Dionisio (8), Ajuy (7), Balasan (7), Mina (7), Anilao (6), Batad (5), Pototan (5), Leganes (4), Concepcion (3), San Rafael (3), Sara (3), San Miguel (2), Estancia (1), and Pavia (1).
Recognizing HFMD Symptoms
HFMD symptoms may include fever, sore throat, malaise; painful, red, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks; red rash, sometimes with blistering, on the palms, soles, and occasionally the buttocks; irritability in infants and toddlers; and loss of appetite.
Dr. Quiñon reminded parents to ensure consistent handwashing with soap and clean water, especially after children play, as a key preventive measure.
She also emphasized the importance of good personal hygiene, including:
* regular handwashing with soap and water
* bathing regularly
* covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
* avoiding the sharing of food, utensils, or personal items
* cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
* wearing facemasks for protection against HFMD, COVID-19, and other diseases
“Proper hygiene remains the simplest and most effective way to prevent HFMD,” Dr. Quiñon stressed./PN
