A sharp rise in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) across the Philippines has prompted the Department of Health (DOH) to issue a public warning, with young children bearing the brunt of the highly contagious viral infection. According to the latest figures, 7,598 cases were recorded between 1 January and 22 February 2025, a nearly threefold increase compared to the 2,665 cases reported during the same period last year.
The outbreak has disproportionately affected regions such as Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Metro Manila, and the Cordillera Autonomous Region, which together account for more than half of the total cases. Children under the age of nine make up the vast majority of those infected, with 56% of cases among those aged four and below, and a further 27% among those aged five to nine. While the DOH notes that the current numbers remain below alert and epidemic thresholds—based on a two-year average—the rapid escalation has raised concerns among health officials and parents alike.
HFMD is a common viral illness among children, transmitted through saliva droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, painful mouth sores, and distinctive blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks. Though most cases are mild and resolve without intervention, the DOH warns that severe complications, such as meningitis or encephalitis (brain inflammation), can occur in rare instances. “HFMD is rarely fatal and usually resolves on its own, but it spreads easily,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, urging vigilance among the public. 
A Regional Challenge
The DOH has identified 45 provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent cities across 13 regions with rising HFMD cases, with some areas, such as Ilocos, reporting a staggering 717% surge. This uneven distribution highlights the challenges of managing infectious diseases in a country with diverse urban and rural landscapes, where access to healthcare and sanitation infrastructure can vary widely.
Public health experts suggest that the spike may be linked to the return of children to schools and daycare centres after holiday periods, creating ideal conditions for the virus to spread. Close contact in crowded environments, combined with inconsistent hygiene practices, often fuels outbreaks of HFMD. The DOH has advised parents to keep infected children at home for seven to 10 days, or until fever subsides and sores have dried, to prevent further transmission. Isolation measures also include separating utensils and personal items of infected individuals and disinfecting shared spaces.
Preventive Measures and Public Response
Health Secretary Herbosa has called on the public to adopt simple but effective preventive habits, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or using the toilet. He also cautioned against close contact with infected individuals, such as hugging or kissing, and urged anyone showing symptoms to seek medical attention at the nearest health centre.
For many Filipino families, however, the outbreak adds to existing pressures. In densely populated urban areas like Metro Manila, where multi-generational households are common, isolating sick children can be difficult. Parents working in informal or low-wage jobs often lack the flexibility to take time off to care for their children, forcing tough decisions between health precautions and financial stability. “We want to follow the guidelines, but it’s hard when you live in a small space with many people,” said Maria Santos, a mother of two from Quezon City, whose youngest child recently contracted HFMD.
Broader Implications for Public Health
While the current outbreak has not yet reached epidemic levels, it serves as a reminder of the importance of robust public health systems in the Philippines. The country has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, from dengue fever outbreaks to the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, which strained healthcare resources and exposed gaps in disease surveillance and response. HFMD, though less severe than some other infectious diseases, underscores the need for sustained investment in preventive education, vaccination campaigns (where applicable), and community health initiatives.
The DOH has yet to announce specific interventions beyond public advisories, but experts suggest that targeted awareness campaigns in high-risk regions, coupled with improved access to sanitation facilities in schools, could help curb the spread. For now, the onus remains on families and local communities to implement the recommended precautions, even as they navigate the practical challenges of doing so.
As the Philippines grapples with this surge in HFMD cases, the situation remains a developing concern. Health officials continue to monitor the data, and parents are urged to stay informed and proactive in protecting their children. With collective effort, the hope is to contain the outbreak before it escalates further, ensuring the safety and well-being of the nation’s youngest citizens.
