The City Health Office (CHO) is closely monitoring the increase in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases in Zamboanga City, as the illness remains a notifiable disease under Republic Act No. 11332, also known as the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.
According to recent surveillance data, HFMD cases have surged by 33% in the past two weeks (February 2–15, 2025) compared to the previous three to four weeks (January 19–February 1, 2025). As of Morbidity Week 7, a total of nine cases have been recorded by CHO. While this marks a slight decrease of 10% from the ten cases reported during the same period last year, health officials remain vigilant.
Currently, the CHO is monitoring HFMD cases across multiple schools in the city. A joint investigation with the Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development is underway following reports of HFMD at Putik Central School. Since January 2025, a total of 88 students have reported rashes, with 18 cases meeting the official HFMD case definition. Laboratory samples have been collected and are awaiting confirmation from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).
HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection primarily affecting young children. It is characterized by fever, painful mouth sores, and skin rashes on the hands, feet, and buttocks. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces, making early detection and proper hygiene essential to preventing further transmission.
In response, the CHO is urging parents, guardians, and school officials to implement preventive measures to control the spread of HFMD. Parents are advised to seek medical consultation if their children develop symptoms and to report cases to the nearest health center for proper monitoring. The public is encouraged to practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and water, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and avoiding the sharing of personal items such as utensils, water bottles, and towels.
Furthermore, parents are reminded to keep sick children at home until they have fully recovered to prevent further spread in schools and the community. The CHO remains committed to monitoring the situation and implementing necessary interventions, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital in preventing outbreaks and safeguarding children’s health.
For further inquiries or to report HFMD cases, the public is encouraged to contact their nearest health center. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
