37,368 HFMD Cases Logged Nationwide

Up to 37,368 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) have been reported in the country since January, according to the Department of Health.

- By RHODINA VILLANUEVA

Data from the DOH showed the figure, recorded as of Aug. 9, is almost 750 percent higher than the 5,081 cases reported during the same period in 2024.

A majority of the cases are children aged one to three years, health officials said.

HFMD is a highly contagious viral disease commonly affecting children below five years old.

Most cases are mild, self-limiting, and non-fatal, but may progress to meningitis, encephalitis, and polio-like paralysis if left unattended.

The disease can spread through direct contact with infected people as well as droplets or objects with the HFMD virus.

Symptoms of the disease include fever that may last from one to two days, mouth sores, rashes, and blisters in the hands, feet, and buttocks.