The Department of Health has warned the public of a surge in hand, foot, and mouth disease cases in the country, where most of those infected by the highly contagious viral infection are young children.
According to DOH data, a total of 7,598 cases of HFMD have been recorded across the country from January 1 to February 22, a figure that is almost three times higher than the 2,665 cases reported during the same period in 2024. Fifty-two percent of HFMD patients were from Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Metro Manila, and the Cordillera Autonomous Region.
Four out of five of the total recorded cases were children, 56 percent aged 4 years old and below, while 27 percent were aged 5 to 9 years old.
The DOH earlier noted that there are 45 provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent cities across 13 regions that have shown an increase in HFMD cases.
HFMD is a highly contagious viral disease that is common among children. The virus can be easily passed to other people through saliva droplets after an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. It can also be spread when a person touches their eyes, nose, or mouth after handling contaminated objects.
Most HFMD cases are mild, with symptoms including fever, cough, mouth sores, and blisters on the hand, feet, and buttocks. However, it can lead to more severe complications such as meningitis and encephalitis.
Infected persons are advised to stay home and avoid attending school or work, staying isolated for 7 to 10 days, or until the fever subsides and all sores have dried up. Eating utensils and personal items should be separated and their surroundings disinfected after the recommended isolation period.
To prevent contracting HFMD, the DOH advised the public to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, blowing the nose, or using the toilet.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is highly contagious but easily preventable, as long as the populace is aware of the threat and how to prevent its spread. With the Department of Health raising the alert, it would be best for Filipinos to take note and implement the necessary precautions to prevent an outbreak in our communities.*
