The Department of Health on Tuesday urged parents and schools to strengthen proper handwashing practices as cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) continue to rise nationwide.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the infection, which primarily affects children, has increased sevenfold this year compared to the same period in 2024. “Hand washing is very important for prevention because hand, foot and mouth disease spreads through objects that have been touched,” he said.
The health chief advised children, teachers and caregivers to wash their hands regularly with soap and water to reduce the risk of transmission. “There is a proper method of handwashing, and that is what is taught in schools. There is a proper way and also a proper duration,” he explained.
Herbosa added that alcohol-based hand rubs remain an effective option in the absence of soap and water. He urged teachers to integrate handwashing lessons into daily classroom routines to instill the habit in children.
He also reminded parents to supervise handwashing at home to ensure children follow the correct steps. HFMD often causes fever, mouth sores, and rashes on the hands and feet, but can lead to complications if left unmanaged.
