By Perla Lena

BE WARY. The city health office advises the public to be wary of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Iloilo City recorded nine cases from Jan. 1-18, 2025 based on the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit report.  (PNA file photo) 

ILOILO CITY – The city health office has issued a warning on suspected cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), urging the public to observe proper hygiene.

Data from the Iloilo City Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit recorded nine cases during the Jan. 1-18 period, higher than the seven cases recorded during the same period last year.

“We want to stop the spread. For us, it’s cause for alarm because the most affected are children,” city health officer Dr. Annabelle Tang said in a media interview Tuesday.

The infection primarily affects children under one year old.

As of Jan. 20, six cases remain active while three have recovered. Arevalo district recorded four cases, Mandurriao had three, and Molo had two.

HFMD is commonly associated with poor hygiene and can also affect adults.

Severe cases may lead to complications such as respiratory infections and co-infections with bacterial diseases.

Tang underscored the importance of early consultation and proper hygiene practices, particularly frequent hand washing and sanitation.

Iloilo City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit Medical Officer III, Dr. Jan Reygine Ansino-Hortinela, said HFMD usually manifests low-grade fever and lack of appetite due to mouth sores.

“The transmission of hand, foot and mouth disease is through secretions. That is why, usually, the manifestation appears on the mouth because the transmission is there,” Hortinela said.

A previous infection does not also provide immunity.

Flyers will be distributed to daycare centers, and staff are advised to clean toys and furniture regularly.

She also recommended that students forego attending school if they are experiencing the symptoms.

Iloilo City recorded 35 cases in 2024 and 445 in 2023. The cases are based on what is reported only to the CHO from district health centers. (PNA)