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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider HFMD cases triple in 2025 compared to last year --- DOH

HFMD cases triple in 2025 compared to last year --- DOH

Published Mar 1, 2025 12:21 pm

 

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(MB FILE PHOTO)

 

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a significant increase in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases, recording 7,598 infections from Jan. 1 to Feb. 22, 2025—three times higher than the same period in 2024. 

 

Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, the spokesperson of the DOH, said that while the current number of cases is nearly three times higher than the 2,665 recorded in 2024, it remains lower than in 2023, when more than 2,500 cases were reported in just a single week at the start of February.

 

 

According to him, approximately 52 percent of HFMD cases were recorded in Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, Metro Manila, and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR).


 

 

 

“Lampas kalahati o 56 percent o 4,225 sa kabuuang kaso ay mga batang 4 na taong gulang pababa (More than half, or 56 percent or 4,225 cases of the total, involve children aged four years old and below),” said Domingo.

 

“Habang nasa 2,069 na kaso ay mga batang nasa edad lima hanggang siyam na taong gulang (Meanwhile, 2,069 cases involve children aged five to nine years old),” he added.
 

 

 

The health department said that while HFMD is not fatal, it can lead to serious complications such as meningitis and encephalitis.

 

Per the DOH, the virus spreads easily through saliva droplets, coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

 

Common symptoms include fever, cough, mouth sores, and blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks, it stated.

 

Health experts recommend home isolation for 7 to 10 days to prevent transmission. 

 

The DOH underscored the importance of proper hygiene, advising the public to wash hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds.

 

“Bihirang makamatay ang HFMD at kusa itong gagaling, pero madali itong kumalat. Tandaan na dapat 20 segundo ang paghugas ng kamay gamit ang sabon at tubig. Umiwas muna sa ibang tao kung may sintomas (HFMD is rarely fatal and usually resolves on its own, but it spreads easily. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid contact with others if you have symptoms),” DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a statement. 

 

For early detection and treatment, the health department urged the public to seek consultation at the nearest health center.

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