The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday, August 30, reported an additional 2,525 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) recorded in just one week, bringing the nationwide total to 39,893 as of August 16.

According to the DOH, nearly half of the infections involved children aged one to three years old.

Because of the sharp increase, the health department said it is coordinating with local government units to strengthen monitoring of HFMD in the regions.

A meeting with the agency’s healthy learning institution has also been set to discuss proposed measures for prevention and management in schools, it added.

Per DOH, HFMD is a highly contagious illness caused by viruses that spread through saliva droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. It may also be transmitted by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with contaminated surfaces.

The agency reminded parents to watch for symptoms in their children such as fever, mouth sores, sore throat, and rashes on the hands and feet.

“Kung sakaling makaramdam ng sintomas ang anak gaya ng lagnat, singaw sa bibig, pananakit ng lalamunan, at mga butlig sa palad at talampakan ay agad na magpakonsulta sa pinakamalapit na health center (If a child develops symptoms such as fever, mouth sores, sore throat, and rashes on the palms and soles, immediately consult the nearest health center),” the DOH said.

For mild cases, the health department advised parents to keep children at home for seven to ten days, or as prescribed by a doctor.

“Para sa mga mild na kaso ng HFMD, panatilihin ang anak sa bahay nang pito hanggang sampung araw o depende sa abiso ng doktor (For mild cases of HFMD, keep the child at home for seven to ten days or as advised by the doctor),” the DOH said.

As such, the DOH urged families to practice proper hygiene to curb transmission.

“Bukod sa pagdi-disinfect ng mga kagamitan, ugaliin din ang dalawampung segundong paghuhugas ng kamay upang maiwasan ang hawahan (Aside from disinfecting items, make a habit of washing hands for 20 seconds to prevent infection),” the agency added.