According to data released by the Philippine Department of Health on March 1st, there were a total of 7598 reported cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease nationwide from January 1st to February 22nd, 2025, which is nearly twice as many as the same period last year. This epidemic is mainly concentrated in the Central Luzon Region, Minmaroba Region, Manila Region, and Cordillera Administrative Region, accounting for a total of 52%. In terms of age distribution, children aged 4 and under have the highest proportion of infections, accounting for 56% of the total cases (4225 cases), while children aged 5 to 9 have 2069 cases, accounting for 27%.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an acute infectious disease caused by enteroviruses, mainly transmitted through fecal oral route, respiratory droplets, and close contact. Common symptoms of patients include fever, oral herpes, and rash on hands and feet, most of which can self heal within 7 to 10 days, but a few severe cases may cause complications such as meningitis and myocarditis. The Philippine health department emphasized that the current epidemic is spreading rapidly and there is a need to be vigilant about the risk of cluster infections.

In response to prevention and control measures, the health department calls on the public to strengthen personal hygiene habits, such as washing hands frequently, avoiding contact with patient secretions and contaminated items, and reducing travel to crowded places. Confirmed or suspected cases need to be isolated at home until symptoms disappear (usually for 7 days), during which time they should avoid outdoor activities. In addition, receiving the EV-A71 vaccine can effectively reduce the risk of severe illness, and it is recommended that children aged 6 months to 5 years complete the full course of vaccination as early as possible.

Experts point out that the rise in spring temperatures provides a breeding ground for virus transmission. Schools, kindergartens, and other places need to strengthen morning checks and environmental disinfection, and regularly clean high-frequency contact items such as toys and tableware. Parents should closely monitor their children's health status, seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are found, and cooperate in implementing isolation measures to jointly contain the spread of the epidemic.