Online Reporter
Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
PARENTS and caregivers in Mutare and other parts of Zimbabwe are being urged to stay alert as minor outbreaks of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have been reported in several communities.
This common illness mainly affects young children, although older children and even adults can occasionally catch it.
While the disease is generally mild, early recognition and proper care are important to keep children safe and prevent the infection from spreading.
It is important to note that this is a completely different disease from the Foot and Mouth disease that occurs in hoofed animals.
HFMD spreads very easily, especially among children who are in close contact with one another at school, creche, or playgroups.
It can be passed through direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces, or coming into contact with saliva, mucus, or fluid from the small blisters that appear with the disease.
Because of this, outbreaks can happen quickly, especially in places where many children gather.
The illness often starts with a mild fever and a feeling of being unwell.
Some children may eat less than usual or appear unusually tired.
Within a day or two, small red spots or blisters usually appear on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth.
These blisters can make it painful for children to eat or drink, so it is important to ensure they stay hydrated.
Other common symptoms may include a sore throat, irritability, and occasionally mild diarrhoea.
Fortunately, most children recover fully within about a week to 10 days without any lasting problems.
There is no specific medicine to cure HFMD.
Treatment is focused on comfort and care at home.
Children should drink plenty of fluids, and pain or fever can be managed with medicines such as paracetamol.
Keeping hands clean and nails short can help prevent scratching the blisters and reduce the chance of the virus spreading.
Children should stay home from school until their symptoms have completely cleared.
This, not only helps them recover, but also stops the infection from spreading to others.
Although HFMD is usually mild, parents should be aware of warning signs that require urgent medical attention.
If a child has a very high fever, refuses to drink fluids, vomits repeatedly, becomes unusually sleepy, or shows any other worrying symptoms, they should be taken to a clinic or hospital immediately. Early medical advice can prevent complications and ensure the child recovers safely.
Regular handwashing with soap and water, cleaning toys and surfaces that children touch frequently, and encouraging children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing are simple but effective ways to reduce the risk of infection.
Parents should also avoid close contact between infected children and others until the illness has fully resolved.
With small outbreaks now appearing in Mutare and other cities, it is important for everyone to stay informed.
Recognising the symptoms, practicing good hygiene, and taking simple precautions can protect children and help prevent the illness from spreading further.
HFMD can be uncomfortable, but with proper care, children usually recover quickly and go back to enjoying their normal activities.
By staying alert, taking early action, and keeping children home while they are unwell, families can help ensure that these minor outbreaks remain manageable and do not develop into a larger problem.
For more on Hand Foot and Mouth Disease contact [email protected]
