MANILA: The Department of Health (DOH) has so far recorded 7,598 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) nationwide from January 1 to February 22 this year.
According to DOH, this figure is three times higher than the 2,665 cases monitored in 2024 but lower compared to over 2,500 weekly cases logged in February 2023.
"About half (52 percent) of the HFMD cases were recorded from Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Metro Manila, and the Cordillera Autonomous Region," the agency said in a statement on Sunday (March 2).
It added of the total cases, 4,225 consisted of children ages 4 and below, while 2,069 cases included children ages 5 to 9.
DOH explained that HFMD “is an infectious disease that is spread through saliva” and can be acquired “when a person touches his eyes, nose, or mouth with a hand that has touched an object contaminated with the virus.”
Most HFMD cases are mild, but the DOH warned that symptoms include fever, cough, boils, mouth ulcers, and blisters on hands, feet, and buttocks.
It can also cause more serious complications such as meningitis and encephalitis or inflammation of the brain.
To avoid the spread of the virus, the DOH advised the public to wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds and refrain from close contact with those infected.
"Those who are sick, especially with a suspected or confirmed case of HFMD, should stay at home and avoid going to school or work.
"Stay at home for 7-10 days or until the fever is gone and the sores are dry," the agency said.
"Isolate cutlery and other personal equipment of the sick person, and clean the area where they stayed with disinfectant after the recommended isolation," it added. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
