The City of Harare has officially raised an alarm regarding a significant outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). With over 500 confirmed cases reported recently, we understand that many parents are concerned about their children’s health.
At Hiltons Pharmacies, we believe that an informed community is a healthy community. Here is everything you need to know about the outbreak, the symptoms to watch for, and how to protect your family.
🚨 The Current Situation
The local authorities have recorded at least 501 cases of HFMD. While the virus can affect anyone, this outbreak is primarily affecting children under the age of 10.
The disease has been detected largely in the following suburbs, though vigilance is required everywhere:
- Mabvuku
- Mbare
- Budiriro
- Waterfalls
🦠 What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
HFMD is a common viral infection. It is highly contagious and spreads easily through:
- Direct contact with unwashed hands.
- Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus (like toys or door handles).
- Droplets from coughing or sneezing.
- Contact with the fluid from blisters.
The Common Symptoms: The illness usually starts with a fever, reduced appetite, and a sore throat. A day or two after the fever starts, painful sores may develop in the mouth. A skin rash with red spots (and sometimes blisters) may also appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
🛡️ 4 Steps to Protect Your Family
While the news can be worrying, the good news is that prevention is very effective. Here is how you can lower the risk in your home:
1. Wash Hands Frequently This is your first line of defense. Ensure your children wash their hands with soap and warm water often, especially after using the toilet and before eating. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Disinfect Common Areas The virus can live on surfaces. Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch areas like door handles, TV remotes, and especially shared toys.
3. Teach Good Hygiene Encourage your children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing—preferably into their elbow rather than their hands.
4. Isolate if Symptomatic If your child is showing signs of fever or a rash, please keep them at home. Do not send them to school or creche until they are fully recovered to prevent spreading it to other children.
🏥 What to Do if Your Child is Sick
The City of Harare notes that HFMD is generally “self-limiting,” meaning it typically resolves on its own without specific treatment. However, you should not ignore the symptoms.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you suspect HFMD, visit your nearest clinic or doctor for a proper diagnosis.
- Manage Symptoms: While antibiotics won’t work (since it’s a virus), you can treat the symptoms (pain and fever) with over-the-counter medication as advised by your pharmacist or doctor.
- Hydration is Key: Mouth sores can make swallowing painful, so ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid acidic drinks like orange juice which can sting.
