Source: ZimLive
Bulawayo warns of suspected hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak.
Residents advised to wash hands frequently and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease causes painful sores on hands and feet.
BULAWAYO – The City of Bulawayo has issued a public health alert amid reports of suspected Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases, urging residents to heighten hygiene practices and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
In a notice released by the Town Clerk’s office on Thursday, authorities described HFMD as a contagious viral infection that mostly affects children under five, although adults can also contract it through close contact.
Health officials said the disease spreads through saliva, mucus and fluid from blisters, with symptoms including painful mouth sores, rashes or blisters on hands and feet, fever, sore throat, tiredness and loss of appetite. Symptoms typically develop within three to six days after exposure.
Residents have been advised to wash hands frequently, disinfect commonly touched surfaces and avoid close physical contact — including hugging and sharing utensils — with infected individuals. Anyone showing symptoms is encouraged to isolate until fever subsides and blisters have dried.
“The City of Bulawayo urges residents to report any suspected cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease to the nearest healthcare facility to prevent further spread,” Town Clerk Christopher Dube said.
Authorities did not disclose the number of suspected cases but said monitoring and response measures were underway.
HFMD outbreaks have previously been recorded in parts of Zimbabwe, particularly among nursery and primary school children due to its rapid spread in group environments.
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