The Philippines has seen a significant rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease cases this year, totaling 37,368 by August 9, 2025, as reported by the Department of Health.
This number is seven times higher than the same period in 2024, which had only 5,081 cases, marking a sixfold increase. Notably, over half of the cases in 2025 are among children aged one to three, according to the DOH.
Symptoms and Precautions
The Philippine DOH identifies symptoms as:
-
Fever
-
Mouth sores
-
Sore throat
-
Blisters on palms and soles
Stay informed with the latest updates. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is highly contagious, spreading through close contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.
If a child shows symptoms, they should stay home for seven to ten days or until the fever is gone and sores have healed, advises the DOH.
It’s crucial to keep the infected person’s utensils and personal items separate and to thoroughly disinfect areas where they have been.
