3-3-2025 (MANILA) Health authorities in the Philippines have raised concerns as hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases have surged dramatically in the first months of 2025. Department of Health (DOH) surveillance data reveals 7,598 cases nationwide from January 1 to February 22, representing a threefold increase compared to the 2,665 cases documented during the equivalent period last year.
“While current HFMD numbers appear alarming when compared to 2024 figures, it’s important to note we’re actually seeing lower transmission rates than what we experienced during certain months of 2023,” explained DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, providing historical context to the current outbreak.
The disease burden appears concentrated in specific regions, with DOH epidemiologists reporting that over half (52 percent) of all cases originate from just four areas: Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, Metro Manila, and the Cordillera Autonomous Region. This geographic clustering suggests possible environmental or social factors influencing transmission patterns.
Children remain particularly vulnerable to the viral infection. Current data shows 4,225 cases affecting children under four years old, while an additional 2,069 cases have been documented among children aged five to nine years. This age distribution aligns with global patterns recognized by the World Health Organization, where HFMD primarily affects younger populations with developing immune systems.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has moved to reassure the public about the nature of the outbreak. “The disease is not usually dangerous as most patients get better on their own, but HFMD spreads easily,” he stated during a recent press briefing. Medical experts from the Philippine Pediatric Society confirm that while HFMD can cause discomfort through its characteristic rash and fever, complications remain rare in otherwise healthy children.
Public health guidance emphasizes isolation for symptomatic individuals. “We strongly advise those manifesting symptoms or suspected to be infected with HFMD to stay at home,” Herbosa emphasized, highlighting community responsibility in containing further spread. The DOH recommends immediate consultation at local health centers for proper diagnosis and management.
Infectious disease specialists note that vigilance in childcare settings remains critical, as HFMD spreads through close personal contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces. Enhanced hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and disinfection of shared toys and surfaces, represent frontline defenses against further transmission within vulnerable communities.
