Bulawayo Reports Over 1,000 HFMD Cases

1 February 2026

Health authorities in Bulawayo are urging parents to be alert after more than 1,000 suspected cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease were recorded since November last year — raising concerns about the safety of young children in schools and homes.

The City of Bulawayo says 1,058 suspected HFMD cases have been reported, with no deaths recorded so far.

HFMD is a highly contagious viral illness, mainly affecting children under five, causing fever, mouth sores, and rashes on the hands and feet.

In a council report, officials say the disease is believed to spread through close contact and shared toys, particularly among pre-school children, with samples collected for laboratory testing.

Meanwhile, council clinics are also treating conditions such as ringworm, amid reports of low medicine stocks.

Bulawayo remains on high alert for 13 priority diseases, including cholera, measles, mpox, and COVID-19.

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