Sharp Rise in Hand Foot Mouth Disease Cases
The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a dramatic increase in hand foot mouth disease cases in the Philippines, with figures from January to August showing a sevenfold rise compared to the same period last year. Officials revealed that as of August 9, 2025, the total number of cases reached 37,368, a steep climb from the 5,081 cases recorded in 2024.
Health authorities noted that the hand foot mouth disease surge is primarily affecting young children, with half of the cases involving kids aged 1 to 3 years old. Community leaders expressed concern over the rapid spread among this vulnerable age group.
How Hand Foot Mouth Disease Spreads Rapidly
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa explained that hand foot mouth disease spreads easily through direct contact with rashes, blisters, or ulcers. “It’s by contact, so you can get infected if you touch the rash or the blister or the ulcer or the steam. When you touch it or share something, the spoon, the fork, the utensils you use to eat,” he said in Filipino during a radio interview.
He further emphasized the speed of transmission, adding, “By transmission from things you touch… you pass a cellphone, you touch the blister, the child can get infected. So it’s very quick.” This highlights the importance of hygiene and careful handling of shared objects among children.
Self-Limiting Illness, Recovery, and Isolation
The DOH chief reassured the public that hand foot mouth disease is generally mild and self-limiting. Patients usually recover within a week without requiring extensive medical intervention.
“You will also recover after one week. That’s why we [advise] you to isolate yourself at home first so that other children who don’t have immunity don’t get infected,” Herbosa advised. Authorities recommend isolation to prevent further transmission, especially in daycare and school settings.
No Vaccines Yet Available in the Philippines
Regarding prevention, Secretary Herbosa clarified that vaccines for hand foot mouth disease are not yet accessible in the Philippines. He noted that even the United States and Europe have not approved vaccines for this illness.
“The vaccine is only available in China. This virus, the Coxsackie virus A1 and then the enterovirus 71, has a vaccine, but in the US, in Europe, there is no vaccine yet. It has not been approved yet. So, here in the Philippines, we still do not have a vaccine, although the Chinese products seem to want to enter here,” he explained.
He also mentioned, “Maybe if self-limiting within 7 days is not fatal, maybe we will not spend money on the vaccine,” underscoring the current focus on preventive measures rather than immunization.
Emphasizing Hygiene to Prevent Infection
Health officials strongly urge the public to maintain strict hygiene practices to curb the spread of hand foot mouth disease. Secretary Herbosa stressed the importance of frequent handwashing, especially among children.
“Very important to teach children to wash their hands often, especially if they touch those who are sick or have rashes,” he said. Such simple actions can significantly reduce infection risk.
Recognizing Symptoms Early
The DOH outlined the common symptoms of hand foot mouth disease to aid early detection. These include fever, mouth sores, sore throat, and characteristic rashes on the palms and soles of the feet. Prompt recognition can help contain outbreaks and ensure proper care.
For more news and updates on hand foot mouth disease, visit Filipinokami.com.
