The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reported that Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases in the country have reached 37,368 as of August 9.
According to the Health Department, the figure is more than seven times higher compared to the 5,081 cases recorded in 2024.
Half of the tallied cases represented children aged 1 to 3 years old.
HFMD is a contagious disease that can be contracted by touching one’s face, nose, or mouth with one’s hand that has touched anything contaminated by the virus. Its symptoms include fever, mouth sores, throat pain, and blisters on one’s palms or feet.
According to the DOH, any child who shows symptoms must remain at home for seven to 10 days or until their fever subsides and their wounds dry up.
It is also important to separate the cutlery and other personal items used by those with HFMD, as well as to clean areas where they stay using disinfectant.
