The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Oriental Mindoro has issued a public health advisory warning residents about Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), a highly contagious viral infection primarily affecting children.

The health office released a series of infographics on social media this week detailing the disease’s symptoms, transmission methods, and prevention strategies to raise public awareness.

“HFMD spreads easily, especially among children,” PHO said in their advisory. “Protect your family through proper hygiene and avoiding direct contact with symptomatic individuals.”

According to the health office, HFMD is caused by enteroviruses that produce painful blisters or rashes on the hands, feet, mouth, and throat.

The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, fluid from blisters, feces, or respiratory droplets.

Common symptoms include fever, rashes or blisters on hands and feet, sores in the mouth and throat, sore throat, and loss of appetite.

PHO advised parents to seek immediate medical attention if their children display these symptoms.

Prevention measures include frequent handwashing, consuming nutritious foods, disinfecting potentially contaminated objects, and avoiding crowded places or direct contact with infected individuals.

HFMD outbreaks in the Philippines typically occur during the rainy season but can happen year-round.

While usually mild and self-limiting within 7-10 days, health officials cited the importance of preventing dehydration in affected children, as mouth sores can make drinking painful.

The provincial health office encourages residents to contact their nearest health center at (043) 288-7672 for additional information or to report suspected cases.

In recent years, several HFMD outbreaks have been reported across various areas in the country, prompting health authorities to strengthen surveillance and prevention efforts nationwide.