HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS A child shows symptoms in his hands. 鈥擯IA photo
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public about the surge of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in the country, with the majority of those who contracted the highly contagious viral infection being young children.
According to the latest data released by the DOH, a total of 7,598 cases of HFMD have been recorded across the country from Jan. 1 to Feb. 22鈥攁lmost three times higher than the 2,665 cases reported during the same period in 2024.
More than half (52 percent) of HFMD patients were from Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Metro Manila, and the Cordillera Autonomous Region.
READ: DOH warns Ilocos residents vs. HFMD as cases soar by 717%
Four out of five of the total recorded cases were children: 56 percent (4,225 cases) were aged 4 years old and below, while 27 percent (2,069) were aged 5 to 9 years old.
The DOH, in an earlier circular, noted that there are 45 provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent cities across 13 regions that have shown an increase in cases of HFMD.
鈥淭he numbers, however, remain below the alert and epidemic thresholds based on the two-year average,鈥� it added.
According to the DOH, 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.
The virus can also be spread when a person touches their eyes, nose, or mouth after handling objects contaminated with the virus.
Mostly mild cases
Most HFMD cases are mild. Symptoms include fever, cough, mouth sores, and blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks.
However, it can lead to more severe complications, such as meningitis and encephalitis (brain inflammation).
Infected persons, especially suspected and confirmed HFMD cases, should stay at home and avoid attending school or work.
Patients should remain isolated for seven to 10 days, or until the fever subsides and all sores have dried up.
Utensils and personal items of infected individuals should be separated, and their surroundings should be disinfected after the recommended isolation period.
鈥淗FMD is rarely fatal and usually resolves on its own, but it spreads easily,鈥� Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.
To prevent contracting HFMD, the DOH chief advised the public to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, blowing their nose, or using the toilet.
He also asked people to avoid close contact with an infected person, such as hugging or kissing them.
鈥淪eek medical attention at the nearest health center if symptoms occur,鈥� Herbosa said.