Hand Foot And Mouth Disease Outbreak Confirmed In Bulawayo
Health authorities in Bulawayo have issued a direct warning to the public concerning cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). The alert urges residents to be vigilant and practice strict hygiene to control the spread of the contagious viral infection.
The City of Bulawayo raised the alarm in a public notice released by the Town Clerk’s office on Thursday. The notice describes HFMD as a common contagious illness. While it predominantly affects young children under the age of five, the authorities confirmed that adults can also contract the virus, especially through close personal contact.
Residents Advised To Wash Hands Frequently And Disinfect Surfaces
In response to the confirmed cases, the Bulawayo health department has issued clear and practical advice for all residents. The primary guidance focuses on breaking the chain of infection through rigorous hygiene. Officials are instructing people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water. A major part of the strategy involves the thorough and regular disinfection of commonly touched surfaces in homes and public areas. The public is also being told to avoid close contact, such as hugging, and to stop sharing utensils with individuals who may be infected.
Town Clerk Christopher Dube made a public appeal, stating:
“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.”
The health authorities did not reveal the exact number of HFMD cases identified. However, they assured the community that monitoring and response measures are actively underway to manage the situation.
Understanding The Painful Symptoms
The health notice provided detailed information about the symptoms residents should watch for. HFMD is known for causing painful sores in the mouth and a rash or blisters on the hands and feet. These primary symptoms are often accompanied by fever, a sore throat, a general feeling of tiredness, and a loss of appetite.
A spokesperson for the health department explained the timeline of the illness, noting:
“Symptoms typically develop within three to six days after exposure. Anyone showing these symptoms is encouraged to isolate until the fever subsides and all the blisters have dried.”
This is not the first encounter Zimbabwe has had with HFMD. Previous outbreaks have been recorded, often spreading quickly among nursery and primary school children due to the close-contact nature of group environments.
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The post Health Authorities Warn Of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Cases In Bulawayo appeared first on iHarare News.
