The City of Bulawayo has declared a public health alert amid a suspected outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease. Municipal authorities report that hundreds of cases may be emerging, raising concern among parents, teachers, and healthcare providers across Bulawayo. The outbreak comes as the city monitors young children closely, particularly in crèches and junior schools where close contact can accelerate transmission.

Town Clerk Christopher Dube confirmed that Bulawayo is tracking suspected cases of hand, foot and mouth disease. He noted that the illness most commonly affects children under five years old. Older children and adults can also contract the disease, especially through close contact with infected individuals. Health authorities are calling for heightened vigilance in homes, schools, and community settings to prevent further spread.

More than 700 suspected cases have been reported in Bulawayo since October. The rise in infections has prompted city health officials to emphasize preventive measures for families and educational institutions. Symptoms reported in the city include fever, painful mouth sores, blisters or rashes on hands and feet, sore throat, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Local doctors point out that symptoms usually appear three to six days after exposure to the virus.

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City officials are urging residents to follow strict hygiene practices. Frequent hand washing, cleaning of shared surfaces, and disinfection of toys and utensils are strongly recommended. Parents are also advised to avoid close contact with infected children, including sharing eating utensils or hugging, to reduce the risk of transmission. Children or adults showing symptoms should remain at home until they recover fully.

Bulawayo authorities stress that while hand, foot and mouth disease can spread quickly among children, it is usually mild. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including managing pain, encouraging fluid intake, and ensuring adequate rest. Antibiotics are not effective as the illness is viral. Health experts warn that children who have recovered can still be susceptible to other strains of the virus, making continued vigilance important.

Early detection remains critical. Bulawayo parents are encouraged to report suspected cases to nearby health facilities. Health officials have emphasized that isolating sick children, ensuring proper hygiene, and monitoring symptoms can prevent the virus from spreading further. Schools and childcare centres are asked to implement regular cleaning routines and to send children home if they exhibit symptoms. Children should only return to school or daycare once blisters have dried completely.

The town clerk’s office has coordinated with local clinics to monitor suspected cases. Public health teams are actively providing guidance on prevention and treatment. This approach aims to contain the outbreak in Bulawayo while ensuring that families receive timely advice and support. The situation highlights the importance of robust health monitoring systems and public awareness in managing infectious diseases.

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Parents, caregivers, and school administrators in Bulawayo are urged to remain alert and proactive. The city’s efforts, including monitoring, prevention education, and support for affected families, demonstrate a commitment to controlling the outbreak. The current situation may serve as a model for other cities in Zimbabwe facing similar health challenges.

What unfolds in Bulawayo now will test the city’s public health readiness. Effective containment and community cooperation are essential to limit the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease. The outbreak emphasizes the need for consistent hygiene practices, early identification of symptoms, and adherence to isolation protocols in childcare and school settings.

Source ~ iHarare