A suspected outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease is causing concern in Bulawayo schools, with approximately 20 to 30 children from two institutions showing symptoms. These symptoms include blisters on the limbs and mouth, accompanied by fever and sore throat.
City health officials confirmed that medical samples have been sent to laboratories in Harare for analysis. They are advising communities to report any cases to local clinics and to emphasize good hygiene practices to children to limit the disease's spread, which is common in group settings.
The council minutes also noted a separate increase in malnutrition and diarrhoea cases within the city. Officials linked the rise in diarrhoea to ongoing water supply problems, which are compromising hygiene standards.
City health officials confirmed that medical samples have been sent to laboratories in Harare for analysis. They are advising communities to report any cases to local clinics and to emphasize good hygiene practices to children to limit the disease's spread, which is common in group settings.
The council minutes also noted a separate increase in malnutrition and diarrhoea cases within the city. Officials linked the rise in diarrhoea to ongoing water supply problems, which are compromising hygiene standards.