Johnson Progress

Health officials in Zimbabwe have confirmed an outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), a viral illness that is hitting children under five especially hard.

The disease, caused by the Coxsackie virus, produces a characteristic rash of spots and blisters on the hands, feet, mouth, and sometimes the buttocks, accompanied by fever, mouth ulcers, and fatigue.

The outbreak has alarmed parents, many of whom are sharing experiences on social media as cases multiply in day‑care centres and schools.

Bulawayo Provincial Medical Director Dr Maphios Siamuchembu acknowledged the surge.

“Yes, we have an outbreak of what we suspect to be Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. We have not confirmed the diagnosis, but we have confirmed the outbreak,” he said, adding that the illness is self‑limiting.

“It is self‑limiting. Management is supportive and treatment is symptomatic.”

He emphasized that antibiotics are useless because HFMD is viral.

A mother who asked not to be named described the rapid spread in her own family.

“I started noticing these symptoms in my three‑year‑old daughter. She had blisters on the tongue, and sores that looked like red spots on the palms of her hands, knee area, buttocks, toes, and under her feet,” she said.

Within a week the infant also fell ill. “After a week or so, the infant also started showing similar symptoms, meaning this was contagious. She developed a fever, was coughing, and was not lactating.”

A paediatrician prescribed pain‑relief medication, and the children improved after a few days.

“In a few days my children were showing improvement. Initially I had been applying calamine lotion, but I was advised to stop,” the parent added.

Local health expert Dr Misheck Ruwende reinforced the mild nature of most cases but warned of contagion.

“Most children will get a rash with spots or blisters on their hands and feet, along with mouth ulcers, fever, and tiredness.While it spreads easily in day care and schools, it is usually much milder in adults than in children,” he said.

He advised home care: pain relief, plenty of fluids, and letting blisters dry naturally.

“Your child can get hand, foot and mouth disease more than once because there are different types of viruses that can cause a new infection,” Ruwende cautioned.

Because HFMD is highly contagious, especially in the first few days before the rash appears, officials urge strict hygiene.

Dr Ruwende told parents to wash hands frequently, disinfect shared surfaces and toys, and keep children home until blisters have dried.

“Children should not return to school or childcare until blisters have dried to prevent spreading the virus,” he added.

The outbreak has prompted a wave of social‑media posts from other parents, many noting similar symptom patterns and varied doctor recommendations.

With no specific cure, health authorities stress supportive care and public‑health measures to curb transmission.