Harare City Council (HCC) has confirmed a widespread outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), with 575 cases recorded across the capital, the majority of them in the Mabvuku–Tafara suburbs.
In a statement, HCC Epidemiologist Dr Michael Vere said the city was now on heightened alert as health teams move to contain further spread.
“We have recorded 575 confirmed HFMD cases, and most of these are coming from the Mabvuku–Tafara area.
What is particularly concerning is that 90 percent of the affected are children under the age of five, which is consistent with the disease’s behaviour but still a serious public health issue for us,” he said.
Dr Vere said although HFMD generally has a low fatality rate, the city could not afford complacency.
“This is not a high-mortality disease, but the speed at which it spreads demands a strong prevention strategy.
Our teams are on the ground conducting surveillance, monitoring new cases and engaging caregivers so that symptoms are identified early,” he noted.
He said the council had intensified monitoring in clinics, schools and early childhood centres.
“We are working closely with crèches and primary schools in the affected suburbs to strengthen infection-control measures.
We are also urging parents and guardians to immediately report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility,”Dr Vere said
The Epidemiologist said community awareness campaigns had become a priority as the outbreak expands.
“People must look out for fever, sore throat and the characteristic rash on the hands, feet and inside the mouth. Early reporting helps us contain the spread before it reaches more households,” he noted
Dr Vere stressed that strict hygiene practices remain the city’s strongest line of defence.
“We are encouraging families to practise frequent handwashing, disinfecting toys and surfaces, and keeping sick children at home.
In high-density suburbs where children play together, these simple measures make a big difference,” he added.
Dr Vere said the city would provide continuous updates as new data emerges.
“We want residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with our health workers. If we work together, we can slow down and eventually stop this outbreak,” Dr Vere noted.
Meanwhile, HCC in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Child Care said it would continue deploying health teams in Mabvuku–Tafara, where door-to-door outreach has already begun.
