A total of 37 Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Province of Iloilo has reported cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in 2025.

According to the Iloilo Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, the cases have reached 268 from January 2025 to March 8, 2025.

The cases are 29 percent higher compared to the same period in 2024 with 208 cases.

Most of the HFMD cases logged affected children ages 10 years old and below. 

Two of Katrina Janolino’s children were already afflicted by the illness. She said she has to be extra cautious in taking care of her baby boy, a two-month-old infant.

“Every three times a day siya pinapaliguan, pinaiinom ng vitamins, at dapat malinis talaga ang mga gamit na kanyang hinahawakan,” Janolino said.

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) said that HFMD may spread through person-to-person transmission, saliva, cough and colds, wounds, and infected feces.

“Although mild ang sintomas nito, nagdudulot pa rin ito ng pagkabahala sa ating mga magulang dahil sa panghihina at hindi magandang sintomas na dala ng sakit,” Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the Health Service Delivery Division of Iloilo PHO, said.

A few of the symptoms of HFMD are fever and rashes on the mouth, elbows, hands, soles, and at the back.

Health authorities have reiterated reminders on proper hygiene to avert infection such as constant handwashing and disinfection, especially among children; wearing of face mask, and other hygienic practices.