Sign in Subscribe
Diseases

HFMD Cases Surge in the Philippines, Reaching 37,368 as of August 2025

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Philippine Department of Health has announced a significant increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in the country from January to August 2025, with a notable surge of over 700% compared to the same period last year. This has led to the suspension of onsite classes in some schools, including the private St. Mary's Academy in Pasay City. The DOH has issued its first advisory on HFMD after facing criticism for allegedly withholding information about surges in dengue and leptospirosis cases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of HFMD cases in the country from January to August 2025 has increased by more than 700% over the same period last year, reaching 37,368 as of August 9.
  • The DOH has confirmed four cases of HFMD in separate buildings housing high school and grade school students at St. Mary's Academy in Pasay City, leading to the suspension of onsite classes.
  • The city's Epidemiology and Surveillance Division in Quezon City has recorded nearly 7,000 dengue cases so far this year, a 155% surge compared to year-ago figures.
  • The DOH has reported a 75% hike in dengue cases reaching about 95,000 since the start of the year.
  • The number of leptospirosis cases in DOH hospitals has decreased significantly from 68 daily admissions to seven new admissions as of August 21.
  • Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that HFMD is usually a common and mild childhood disease that resolves itself in around a week.
  • About half of the HFMD cases recorded this year involved kids aged 1 to 3 years old.
  • There is no approved HFMD vaccine in the Philippines, United States, or Europe; the one available is only in China.

Statistics:

  • 37,368: The number of HFMD cases in the country from January to August 2025 as of August 9.
  • 5,081: The number of HFMD cases logged over the same period in 2024.
  • 95,000: The number of dengue cases since the start of the year, a 75% hike over the same period last year.
  • 7,000: The number of dengue cases recorded in Quezon City alone since the start of the year.
  • 6,872: The number of dengue cases recorded in Quezon City as of August 18.
  • 68: The daily leptospirosis admissions in DOH hospitals before August 21.
  • 7: The new leptospirosis admissions in DOH hospitals as of August 21.

Sources:

  • Department of Health
  • St. Mary's Academy
  • Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division
  • Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa

Read more