CASES of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) from January 1 to February 22 have almost tripled compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
In a statement on late Saturday, the DOH said 7,598 HFMD cases have been reported this year.
“This is almost three times higher compared to the 2,665 HFMD cases recorded in the same period in 2024,” said the DOH.
It said 52 percent of this year’s HFMD cases came from Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Metro Manila, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Majority or 56 percent of the HFMD cases, the health department noted, are children four years old and younger.
HFMD is a highly contagious viral disease commonly affecting children below five years of age, with symptoms including fever, mouth sores, and papulovesicular skin rash.
It can spread through direct contact with infected individuals or droplets or objects with HFMD virus.
Last month, the DOH instructed its Centers for Health Development to monitor and take proactive measures to prevent and control HFMD. All local epidemiology and surveillance units were told to report clusters of all suspect, probable, and confirmed cases of HFMD to the DOH.
The health department said HFMD patients must be isolated following standard precautions until they recover in about seven to 10 days.
Children, who are considered as suspect, probable, or confirmed HFMD, meanwhile, should remain at home, avoid attending school or other face-to-face activities until advised by the attending physician or health care provider.
To prevent infection, the DOH urged the public to regularly wash hands with soap and water, and practice proper hand hygiene by using alcohol-based sanitizers.
