Hand-foot-and-mouth disease cases soar in Iloilo

Majority of the towns in Iloilo province have recorded cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

From January 1 to May 22, PHO recorded 274 HFMD cases, higher by 6,750 percent compared to 4 cases logged in the same period last year.

HFMD, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a common viral illness that mostly affects infants and children below five years old.

It is usually a mild disease, and nearly all patients recover in seven to 10 days without medical treatment.

The town of San Dionisio accounted for the highest HFMD cases in the province with 62.

Concepcion came in second with 61 cases, followed by San Rafael (20), Banate (19), Pavia (14), Cabatuan (13), Calinog and Ajuy (10 each), Igbaras, Zarraga, and Duenas (9 each), Barotac Viejo and Ajuy (8 each), Bingawan, New Lucena and San Joaquin (7 each), Mina and Pototan (6 each) and Miagao (5).

Passi City, Sara, Anilao, Dingle, Janiuay, Santa Barbara, Lambunao, Lemery, Barotac Nuevo, Guimbal, Tigbauan and Tubungan recorded four cases and below.

Only Alimodian, Badiangan, Balasan, Batad, Carles, Dumangas, Estancia, Leganes, Maasin, Oton, San Enrique, and San Miguel have zero HFMD cases.

PHO’s Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon advised parents to make sure that their children observe good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, to lessen the risk of catching the disease.

HFMD is caused by a group of enteroviruses, including Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) and Enterovirus 71 (EV71). in children, sometimes resulting in death.

It is commonly spread through direct contact with secretions, such as saliva, from infected people.