Cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease rise in Quezon

By Nimfa L. Estrellado HFMD cases surge in Quezon Province, prompting health officials to issue warnings and preventive measures. (IMU) ...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

HFMD cases surge in Quezon Province, prompting health officials to issue warnings and preventive measures. (IMU)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases continue to rise in Quezon Province, prompting the Quezon Provincial Health Office-Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (QPHO-PESU) to raise the alarm. Their latest surveillance report reveals a concerning trend, with 112 cases recorded from January 1 to March 1, 2025.

QPHO-PESU reports that of these cases, 106 are confirmed, with 5 classified as suspected and 1 as probable. Issued an update on their official Facebook page on March 10, 2025, QPHO-PESU detailed the geographical spread of the disease and strongly urged residents to be vigilant and take necessary precautions. This outbreak is not evenly distributed, with some areas experiencing higher concentrations of cases than others.



The City of Tayabas is currently the most affected, with 36 reported cases, followed by Sariaya with 24, and Lucban with 13. QPHO-PESU data shows that Tiaong has recorded 7 cases, while Candelaria, Guinayangan, Lopez, and Pagbilao each report 4 cases. Several other towns have also reported cases, albeit in smaller numbers, while some municipalities have remained unaffected.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, sore throat, painful, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums, and inside of cheeks, and rashes on the palms, soles, or buttocks. The loss of appetite and fussiness among infants and toddlers are also symptoms of the disease. These symptoms typically appear 3-6 days after exposure to the virus.







HFMD, a contagious viral infection primarily caused by coxsackievirus and enterovirus, typically affects infants and young children. QPHO-PESU explains that it spreads rapidly, especially during the first week of illness, through contact with an infected person's nasal secretions, phlegm, saliva, or feces, or by touching contaminated objects.

Health officials at the QPHO-PESU are urging residents to be vigilant and seek immediate medical attention at their nearest health center or hospital if they or their child display any of these symptoms. Early detection is vital to curb the spread of the disease.

There is no specific treatment for HFM, but it is highly advised to avoid close contact with people who have the disease, practice frequent handwashing, and drink plenty of fluids. The QPHO-PESU also emphasizes the importance of preventive measures such as meticulous personal hygiene and disinfecting surfaces and objects that are frequently touched.

To control the rise in cases, the QPHO-PESU is implementing a series of strategic interventions that include the mobilization of community volunteers for fever surveillance and early detection as well as cleanup drives and disinfection activities in schools, playgrounds and markets. The QPHO-PESU urges the public to cooperate fully with these efforts and to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and their families from HFMD.