Suspected Cases Of Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease Detected In Bulawayo

The City of Bulawayo has issued a health alert following reports of suspected cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the community.

In a statement dated Thursday, 13 November 2025, Town Clerk Christopher Dube said the disease, which is a contagious viral illness, commonly affects children under the age of five but can also spread to adults through close contact.

HFMD spreads easily through contact with saliva, mucus, or fluid from blisters of infected individuals.

The City Health Department has urged residents to remain vigilant and to take preventive measures to limit further transmission.

Common symptoms of the disease include painful sores in the mouth, rashes or blisters on the hands and feet, fever, sore throat, tiredness, and loss of appetite.

According to the city’s notice, symptoms typically appear between three and six days after exposure.

Residents have been encouraged to practice good hygiene, including washing hands frequently, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, cleaning and disinfecting shared items and frequently touched surfaces, and avoiding close contact such as hugging or sharing utensils with infected persons.

The city also advised that both children and adults showing symptoms should remain in isolation at home until they are fever-free and all blisters have dried.

“The City of Bulawayo urges residents to report any suspected cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) to the nearest healthcare facility to prevent further spread,” the statement read.