The Provincial Government of Bulacan, through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), has launched round-the-clock surveillance and prevention efforts across the province on Friday, Jan. 31., in response to the rising cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD).

The Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, conducted initiatives to control the spread of the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases to protect the Bulakenyos’ health. (Freddie Velez)

The PHO has intensified monitoring in all 24 municipalities and cities, coordinated with local sanitary inspectors, transported specimens for confirmation, and disseminated health advisories to curb the virus’s spread.

Health officials warned that HFMD has no specific cure, but symptoms can be managed by staying hydrated, eating soft food, and taking over-the-counter medication for fever and body pain.

According to the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU), 252 suspected HFMD cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to 25, 2025, marking a 460 percent increase from 45 cases in Jan. 2024.

The City of San Jose Del Monte reported 37 cases as the highest number, followed by Marilao with 35 cases and Santa Maria with 22 cases.

The majority of cases involved children four years old and younger, including infants as young as eight months.

PESU data also revealed that 73 percent of cases were reported by Rural Health Units or Municipal/City Health Offices, while 17.9 percent came from government hospitals, and 9.1 percent from private hospitals.

The PHO listed fever, painful red blisters in the mouth, loss of appetite, weakness, irritability, sore throat, and rashes on the hands, feet, and buttocks as common symptoms of HFMD.

Governor Daniel Fernando urged parents to take extra precautions in protecting their children.

“Sa mga magulang naman po, doblehin po natin ang pag-aalaga at pagbabantay sa ating mga anak lalo na sa mga sanggol para makaiwas po tayo sa mga ganitong klase ng sakit. Gagawan at hahanapan po natin sa pamamagitan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan  ng mga paraan upang patuloy kayong mabigyan ng proteksiyon sa inyong kalusugan (For parents, double your care and guard to children especially to babies so that we can avoid these types of illnesses. Through the Provincial Government we will find ways to continue protecting your health)," he said.