03/12/2025
🌸 Important Health Update for Parents: Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease in Zimbabwe 🌸
We are currently seeing a rise in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases in Zimbabwe. As a paediatrician, I would like to help parents stay informed and know what signs to look out for, how to care for affected children, and when to seek medical attention.
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🔍 What is HFMD?
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is a viral infection commonly caused by Coxsackie A virus and Enterovirus.
It spreads easily from one child to another, especially in schools and day-care settings.
👶 Who does it affect?
HFMD commonly affects children under 5, but older children and adults can also get it.
🩺 Common Symptoms
Look out for:
• Painful mouth sores and blisters
• Rash or blisters on hands, feet, buttocks
• High fever (38–39°C)
• Sore throat
• Irritability and tiredness
• Reduced appetite due to mouth pain
The illness usually lasts 7–10 days.
💊 Treatment & Home Care
There is no vaccine and no specific antiviral treatment — care is supportive:
• Encourage frequent oral fluids to avoid dehydration
• Offer cold drinks or ice to soothe mouth pain
• Avoid spicy, salty foods and citrus juices
• Use paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever (❌ avoid Aspirin)
• For painful mouth sores: Andolex spray/mouthwash or topical anaesthetics
• For itchy blisters: antihistamines
• Allow blisters to dry naturally — do not squeeze them
🚨 When to Seek Medical Attention
Please visit a doctor if your child has:
• Poor drinking (taking less than 50% of normal fluids)
• Pus, severe redness or bad smell from sores
• Persistent fever for more than 2 days
• Drowsiness, lethargy or unusual paleness
• Stomach pain, difficulty breathing or seizures
🏫 School Attendance
Children should stay home during the illness and may return to school once the blisters are drying up and no longer leaking.
🛡️ Prevention
• Good hand hygiene
• Avoid close contact with infected children
• Keep sick children isolated at home
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, please don’t panic — HFMD is usually mild, but proper care and early attention make a big difference.
Stay informed. Stay vigilant. Protect our little ones. 💙
