By Patience Gondo
THE Bulawayo City has issued a health warning following reported cases of suspected Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the community.
This has prompted hygiene and isolation measures as authorities move to prevent further spread of the contagious viral illness.
In a statement on Thursday , Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube said , the city has recorded suspected cases of the disease, which commonly affects children under the age of five but can also spread to adults through close contact with infected persons.
Dube said HFMD, which is transmitted through saliva, mucus or fluid from blisters, can spread rapidly, particularly in environments where children share toys, utensils or close physical interaction.
Dube also said symptoms are likely to appear within three to six days after exposure and may include painful sores inside the mouth, fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, tiredness and blister-type rashes on hands and feet.
Although the statement did not confirm hospitalisation or fatalities in Bulawayo, HFMD has previously caused widespread outbreaks in several countries, especially in Asia, where severe complications and isolated deaths have been recorded during large-scale epidemics, according to global health reports.
Health experts internationally note that while most cases are mild, the virus is recognised as highly contagious and can trigger community-wide outbreaks if not quickly contained, making early reporting crucial for public health safety.
Dube said the public should practice strict hygiene practices, particularly frequent handwashing after using the toilet or changing diapers and routine cleaning and disinfecting of shared items and frequently touched surfaces.
He also warned against close physical contact such as hugging or sharing utensils with anyone showing symptoms and advised that both children and adults suspected to be infected should isolate at home until they are fever-free and all blisters have dried.
Residents have been encouraged to report suspected cases to the nearest healthcare facility to allow early intervention and limit further transmission.
“Let us keep our community safe and healthy,” said Dube.
Dube also appealed for full community cooperation as health authorities monitor the suspected outbreak.