Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that mostly affects babies and young children, especially those under 5 years old. It can also affect older children and adults.

The illness usually causes fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash or small blisters on the hands and feet. It spreads easily through saliva, droplets from coughing or sneezing, stool, and contaminated surfaces.

So, what should parents and caregivers know about HFMD, and what can they do when a child gets it?

What is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

HFMD is an illness caused by a virus. It is common among young children and can spread quickly in places where children are together, such as homes, day-care centers and schools.

The illness often begins with a mild fever and a sore or scratchy throat. After that, painful sores may appear inside the mouth and on the tongue. These sores can make it difficult for a child to eat or drink.

A red rash or small blisters may also appear on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Sometimes, they can appear around the diaper area, knees or other parts of the body.

HFMD spreads when a person comes into contact with the virus from an infected person’s saliva, cough or sneeze, mouth sores, stool, or contaminated objects and surfaces.

Most children recover on their own within 7 to 10 days with rest, fluids and care at home.

Why does HFMD spread easily?

HFMD spreads easily because children often have close contact with one another. They may share toys, touch the same surfaces, or put their hands and other objects in their mouths.

The virus can spread through droplets from coughs and sneezes, saliva, fluid from mouth sores, stool, and contaminated surfaces.

This is why handwashing is important, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, wiping a child’s nose, and before eating.

Keeping a sick child away from school or day care can also help prevent the virus from spreading to other children.

Is HFMD connected to the weather and climate?

Yes. Weather can affect how HFMD spreads.

In warm and humid conditions, viruses can spread more easily, while children may also have more opportunities for close contact with one another.

In places with cold winters, HFMD commonly appears more often during warmer months, including summer and early fall. In tropical countries, such as the Philippines, HFMD can occur throughout the year, with periods when cases increase.

Changes in temperature and other environmental conditions may also affect when and where outbreaks occur.

For families, the important point is that HFMD should not only be watched for during one particular season. In a tropical country, parents and caregivers need to remain alert throughout the year.

How can parents prevent HFMD from spreading?

There is no vaccine that protects against most types of HFMD, so prevention mainly depends on good hygiene and reducing contact with infected people.

Wash hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, wiping noses and before eating.

Clean frequently touched surfaces. Regularly clean toys, tables, door handles and other objects that children often touch.

Keep hands away from the face. Teach children not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Keep sick children at home. If a child has symptoms of HFMD, keeping them away from school or day care can help protect other children.

Avoid sharing personal items. Children should not share eating utensils, cups or other items that may carry saliva.

How should a child with HFMD be cared for at home?

There is no special medicine that kills the virus that causes HFMD. Treatment is mainly about keeping the child comfortable while the body fights the infection.

1. Give plenty of fluids.

Mouth sores can make swallowing painful. Offer cool liquids such as water or milk. Popsicles can also help soothe the mouth while providing fluids.

Avoid acidic drinks such as orange juice or lemonade because they may sting the mouth sores.

2. Give soft, bland food.

Choose foods that are easy to swallow, such as applesauce, oatmeal, yogurt and mashed potatoes. Avoid foods that are salty, spicy or acidic because they can make mouth pain worse.

3. Help control fever and pain.

Paracetamol or other appropriate over-the-counter medicines may be used for fever and pain. The correct dose depends on the child’s age and weight, so parents should check with a doctor, nurse or health worker about the proper dose.

Never give aspirin to children unless specifically advised by a health professional.

4. Keep the blisters clean.

Do not pop the blisters on the hands or feet. Wash them gently with soap and water, pat them dry and allow them to heal.

When should a child be taken to a health center or hospital?

Most cases of HFMD are mild, but parents should watch for signs that the child may need medical attention.

Seek help from the Barangay Health Center, Rural Health Unit (RHU), or hospital if the child has:

• Persistent high fever, including a temperature of 38.5°C or higher
• Difficulty drinking or eating
• Repeated vomiting
• Unusual sleepiness or weakness
• Severe irritability
• Signs of dehydration, such as no wet diaper for 6 hours or no tears when crying
• Other symptoms that are getting worse or causing concern

The biggest concern is dehydration. When mouth sores are painful, a child may stop drinking enough fluids. Parents should therefore pay close attention to how much the child is drinking and whether the child is urinating normally.

What does HFMD mean for Mountain Province and Sagada?

Mountain Province recorded a notable 181 HFMD cases during the regional surge in 2025. Current 2026 data from the Department of Health–Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR), as described in the information provided for this explainer, show that cases across the Cordillera region have declined. Final 2026 quarterly figures for Mountain Province are still being compiled.

According to Dra. Geovy Rose Aborque, seven suspected HFMD cases have been reported in the northern barangays of Sagada. The reported cases highlight the importance of continued monitoring and prevention, particularly among children in communities, day-care centers and schools.

Paracelis has historically recorded the highest concentration of HFMD cases in the province. During previous regional increases, it accounted for more than 60% of Mountain Province’s reported cases, particularly in areas such as Bantay and Poblacion.

During peak transmission periods, Mountain Province also ranked second among Cordillera areas in reported HFMD cases, after Benguet.

Local health authorities have responded by strengthening disease monitoring and promoting prevention in communities, day-care centers and schools.

What should parents watch for next?

The most important thing is not simply the number of cases. It is recognizing the symptoms early and stopping the virus from spreading.

If a child develops a fever followed by mouth sores or a rash on the hands and feet, parents and caregivers should watch the child’s condition closely. Make sure the child continues drinking fluids and keep the child away from school or day care while sick.

If the child cannot drink, becomes unusually sleepy or weak, develops persistent high fever, or shows signs of dehydration, seek medical help at the Barangay Health Center, RHU or hospital.

The simple message is:

Recognize the signs. Keep the child hydrated. Practice good hygiene. And seek medical help when warning signs appear.

Sources: Department of Health–Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR); Mountain Province Provincial Health Office (PHO); local health monitoring data cited in the supplied material.