Cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the Province of Iloilo have reached 48 in the first 18 days of 2025.
This is lower, though, compared to the same period in 2024 with at least 92 cases.
Of the 48 cases, 27 are new. Most of the persons afflicted by the disease are children ages 10 years old and below.
“Karamihan sa mga kaso naka-eksperyensya ng mild symptoms at bihira lang makataan ng komplikadong komplikasyon. Although mild lang ang sintomas nito, nagdudulot pa rin ng pag-alala sa mga magulang,” according to Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the Health Service Delivery Division in Iloilo.
In addition, the Iloilo City Health Office (ICHO) logged at least nine suspected HFMD cases from January 1 to 20, 2025.
Five of the cases are considered active, while four have already recuperated.
Based on the data, four are from the District of Arevalo, three from the District of Mandurriao, and two from Molo District.
Patients were found to be babies, or children who are below one year old.
HFMD is a type of viral disease. The virus spreads through inhalation of droplets from an infected persons via sneezing, talking, or coughing, and holding objects that have particles of the virus.
According to ICHO, persons exhibiting symptoms should be taken immediately to the health center.
Symptoms include zits (inflammation of the skin), mouth sores, rashes on the hands and feet but not severely itchy, fever, and body malaise.
“Prevention na magka-infection ang bata kasi because open minsan ang sugat, pwede siyang magka-infection sa mga bacteria. Yan ang dahilan kung bakit fatal ang HFMD because dyan ang entry point ng ibang sakit such as fungi and bacteria,” said Dr. Jan Reygine Ansino-Hortinela, chief of Iloilo CHO’s City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (CESU).
Patients, especially children who have mouth sores, are prohibited from consuming hot, sour, and tough food items.
Iloilo CHO reminded the public about strict observance of proper hygienic practices such as regular handwashing and disinfection to avert infection.
“We are promoting proper handwashing and proper hygiene sa ating mga day care centers and magdi-disinfect rin sila ng areas and I think we can also recommend disinfection of play area ng ating mga malls,” Dr. Mary Ann Poli-Diaz, ICHO medical officer, said.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City logged five HFMD cases from January 5 to 11, 2025.