Online Reporter
Alice Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
THE City of Harare is experiencing a significant increase in cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, with health authorities reporting that thousands of children are being affected.
At least 1 500 cases have been recorded across the city, primarily among children under the age of 10.
At the inaugural meeting of the Public Health Institute of Zimbabwe (PHIZ), Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora confirmed the outbreak and reassured the public that the viral disease is not severe.
He noted that it spreads through direct contact with fluids from rashes, particularly vesicles. “This is a viral disease, and we don’t expect it to have any fatalities,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora explained that although HFMD can cause rashes on the hands, feet and around the neck, it is a self-limiting illness that does not usually require hospitalisation. Health Director of Harare, Dr Prosper Chonzi, corroborated the surge in infections.
“We have now received more than 1,500 cases from all over the city, especially in high-density areas,” he said, echoing Dr Mombeshora’s reassurances regarding the disease’s low severity and lack of fatalities.
Both officials noted that the recent closure of schools is expected to help contain the spread of the disease among children and that they can deal with the cases well. HFMD spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, especially fluids from blisters.
Dr Chonzi stressed the importance of good hygiene, including avoiding direct contact with infected areas and regular hand washing.
Health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak and urging residents to continue practising good hygiene to prevent further outbreaks.
While concerning for parents, authorities maintain that the HFMD outbreak is manageable and unlikely to lead to fatalities.
HFMD is a viral infection commonly caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71.
It spreads easily through saliva, nasal droplets, stool, fluid from blisters and contaminated surfaces or toys, making young children particularly vulnerable to this infection. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow health guidelines during this outbreak.
