The Department of Health (DOH) said Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases tripled from January 1 to February 22 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

In a statement, the DOH logged 7,598 HFMD cases from January 1 to February 22, three times higher than 2,665 cases recorded in the same period in 2024.

DOH said that 52 percent of the cases were from Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Metro Manila, and Cordillera Administrative Region.

Fifty six percent or 4,225 cases were children ages four years old and below while 2,069 cases involve children ages five to nine years old.

HFMD causes sores around the mouth and rashes or blisters on hands, feet, legs, or buttocks.

Although not fatal, HFMD can lead to complications like meningitis or encephalitis also known as inflammation of the brain, DOH said. Marie Manalili/DMS