(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Philippines recorded a massive jump in hand, foot, and mouth disease this year, with cases reaching 37,368 as of August 9, 2025, according to the country's Department of Health.

The cases are seven times' compared to the same period in 2024, which recorded only 5,081 cases, which means it increased by six times. Among these, over half of the recorded cases in 2025 are found in children aged one to three years old, the DOH reported.

Symptoms, precautions

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According to Philippine's DOH, the symptoms include:

• Fever

• Mouth sores

• Sore throat

• Blisters on palm and soles

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Hand, foot and mouth disease is contagious, and can spread if one is in close contact with a patient. It can also spread if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after having touched an object contaminated with the virus.

If a child exhibits these symptoms, it is important to ensure they remain at home for seven to ten days, or until the fever subsides and the sores have dried up, DOH said.

It is also essential to separate the utensils and other personal items of the HFMD patient. The area where the patient stayed should also be disinfected thoroughly.

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