HMD cases surge

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in the Philippines: What Parents Need to Know

by | Sep 1, 2025 | Disinfection, News

Last updated on September 2nd, 2025 at 03:25 pm

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is on the rise in the Philippines—and it’s spreading fast. According to the Department of Health (DOH), over 37,000 HFMD cases have already been recorded from January 1 to April 13, 2025. This is a sevenfold increase compared to the same period in 2024, when only around 5,000 HFMD cases were logged.

(Source: GMA News)

For parents, this surge in HFMD cases is alarming. Children, especially those under 10 years old, are the most vulnerable. That’s why it’s more important than ever to understand what HFMD is, how HFMD cases spread, and what you can do to keep your family safe.

What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

HFMD is a highly contagious viral illness caused by enteroviruses, commonly Coxsackievirus. While most HFMD cases are mild, the disease can be uncomfortable for children and disruptive for families.

Common Symptoms of HFMD Cases

Parents should watch out for these signs of HFMD cases:

  • Fever (often the first symptom)

  • Painful mouth sores that make eating or drinking difficult

  • Skin rash with red spots or blisters on the hands, feet, knees, or buttocks

  • Loss of appetite and irritability in younger children

These symptoms usually appear 3–6 days after exposure to the virus.

How HFMD Cases Spread

HFMD cases spread quickly in crowded areas like schools, daycare centers, and playgrounds. The virus is present in:

  • Saliva, nasal secretions, and fluid from blisters

  • Contaminated surfaces (tables, toys, doorknobs, etc.)

  • Unwashed hands after diaper changes or bathroom use

A single infected child can unintentionally cause multiple HFMD cases in a classroom, making prevention critical.

Why Prevention Matters

While most HFMD cases are mild, they can still cause dehydration, pain, and missed school days. In rare cases, complications may arise. The real challenge is how easily and silently HFMD cases can spread.

Prevention is not just about protecting your own child—it’s about safeguarding entire classrooms and communities.

Protecting Your Family from HFMD Cases

Here are some essential prevention steps for parents:

  1. Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially before meals and after bathroom use.
  2. Teach children not to share utensils, bottles, or towels.
  3. Clean and sanitize toys and high-touch surfaces daily.
  4. Keep children at home if they show symptoms of HFMD to avoid infecting others.
  5. Invest in professional disinfection—regular cleaning removes dirt, but only professional-grade disinfection eliminates the viruses behind HFMD cases lingering in your home, schools, and play areas.

The Role of Professional Disinfection

At Environet Pest Control, we don’t just fight pests—we also help protect families from disease-causing pathogens.

Our Disinfection Service uses hospital-grade solutions to eliminate viruses and bacteria on high-touch surfaces, providing an added layer of protection for your home, school, or workplace.

  • Safe for children and pets

  • Expertly applied by DOH-licensed technicians

  • Trusted by families and institutions for over 24 years

Conclusion

With HFMD cases rapidly increasing in the Philippines, prevention has never been more important. As a parent, you can take simple steps at home, but for complete peace of mind, professional disinfection ensures your family has the strongest shield against this invisible threat.

Protect your children. Protect your home.

To give you extra peace of mind, we’re offering 15% OFF our Professional Disinfection Service this September from September 2–6, 2025 only. Let’s work together to keep your spaces safe and virus-free. BOOK HERE!