Harare On High Alert As Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease Cases Surge In The Capital
The Harare City Health Department is currently observing a notable rise in cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) among children. This news comes just days after the City of Bulawayo issued its own public health alert concerning the contagious virus, confirming the illness is now a pressing concern in two of the nation’s major urban centres. With hundreds of children already affected, health officials are scrambling to contain the outbreak.
Health Officials Activate Emergency Response
As of November 18, 2025, the Harare City Health Department has recorded 501 cases of HFMD across the city. Among the affected suburbs, Waterfalls reports the highest number of cases at 60, followed by Budiriro with 51 cases, Mabvuku at 47, Tafara with 48, Mufakose at 43, Highfield with 28, and Mbare at 27. In response, Dr Prosper Chonzi, the Director of Health for the City of Harare, stated that District Rapid Response teams have been activated.
Dr Chonzi said, “We anticipate more cases, as this disease is highly transmissible; however, we do not expect serious negative outcomes for the affected children.”
To combat the outbreak, the city is conducting community awareness campaigns and managing symptomatic cases. The goal is to ensure all suspected and infected children receive appropriate care to prevent complications such as dehydration, painful oral sores, and secondary infections.
No Cure, But Care Is Crucial
Dr Chonzi emphasized the lack of a vaccine or specific cure for HFMD, stating that the medical focus is entirely on managing the uncomfortable symptoms. HFMD is a viral infection characterized by a rash with blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks, along with painful mouth ulcers. These mouth ulcers can make it difficult for children to eat and drink, posing a significant risk of dehydration.
“Our focus is on symptomatic treatment—addressing the symptoms directly,” Dr Chonzi stated.
Parents and guardians are advised to care for affected children at home by ensuring they stay hydrated and receive regular pain relief. Typically, the illness lasts between 7 to 10 days. In most cases, HFMD will resolve on its own, and it is crucial that blisters be allowed to dry naturally without squeezing or piercing them.
Bulawayo Warned Residents Days Earlier
This development in Harare follows a public notice issued by the City of Bulawayo on November 16, 2025. According to the [Bulawayo notice], the Town Clerk’s office urged residents to heighten hygiene practices amid reports of suspected HFMD cases. The Town Clerk, Christopher Dube, advised residents to wash hands frequently, disinfect commonly touched surfaces and avoid close physical contact with infected individuals.
The Town Clerk’s office said, “The City of Bulawayo urges residents to report any suspected cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease to the nearest healthcare facility to prevent further spread.”
Authorities in Bulawayo did not disclose the number of suspected cases but confirmed that monitoring and response measures were underway. The virus spreads easily through direct contact and respiratory droplets. Dr Chonzi in Harare echoed the hygiene message, adding that while HFMD predominantly affects preschoolers, anyone can contract the virus. Children should remain at home until all blisters have crusted over to avoid further contamination.
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The post First Bulawayo, Now Harare: City Warns Of Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease appeared first on iHarare News.
