The Department of Health (DOH) reported that the number of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases tripled from January 1 to February 22.
According to the DOH statement on Saturday, March 1, the number of HFMD cases reached 7,598 during this period.
This is three times higher than the 2,665 cases in 2024, but lower than the more than 2,500 weekly cases reported in February 2023. Of those affected, 56% (4,225) were children aged four and under, while 2,069 cases were from children aged five to nine.
According to the DOH, HFMD is an infectious disease that spreads through saliva and touching objects contaminated with the virus, which can enter the body by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Although the symptoms of HFMD are usually mild such as fever, cough, runny nose, mouth sores, and blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks, it can lead to more serious conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), although this is rare.
The DOH advises those with symptoms or confirmed cases of HFMD not to go to school or work and to isolate for seven to ten days or until the fever subsides and the wounds heal.
It is also recommended to isolate their personal belongings and regularly clean their isolation area to prevent the spread of disease.
