Harare – A noted increase in a skin disease affecting children which has been allegedly linked to cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) has been reported in Zimbabwe, prompting commentary from local health professionals.

Dr. Misheck Ruwende, took to X (twitter) recently highlighting the situation and advising parents on how to manage the common childhood illness while emphasizing the need to wait for official government communication.

In his commentary, Dr. Ruwende identified the illness as a viral infection caused by the Coxsackie virus. He described its symptoms, which most often affect children under five, including a rash with spots or blisters on the hands and feet, mouth ulcers, fever, and tiredness .

“The encouragement is your child should not go to childcare or school with hand, foot, and mouth disease until the fluid in their blisters has dried up,” Dr. Ruwende advised. He also clarified that the disease is entirely separate from foot-and-mouth disease found in animals, a distinction supported by global health authorities .

No Official Word Yet

A key point of Dr. Ruwende’s commentary was the need for official guidance. He repeatedly stated, “We will wait for the government communication,” regarding both the overall situation and a potential public question about any link to a recent measles vaccine, which he suggested was “likely to be a coincidence.”

Health organizations like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that HFMD is usually not serious but is highly contagious, spreading through personal contact, coughs, sneezes, and contaminated surfaces . There is no specific treatment or vaccine; management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration .

Prevention and Management Recommendations

While awaiting official word from national health authorities, Dr. Ruwende outlined standard care guidelines for infected children. Parents are encouraged to ensure their child drinks plenty of fluids and can use pain relievers like paracetamol. Blisters should be left to dry naturally .

To curb transmission, health experts recommend stringent hygiene measures, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, disinfecting shared toys and surfaces, and avoiding the sharing of utensils or cups .

Dr. Ruwende urged the public to seek medical attention if a child under six months falls ill, a fever persists for more than three days, or mouth sores prevent drinking, as dehydration is the most common complication .

On 7 October 2026, another X user identified as Ntate Mdluli tagged the health ministry alerting government of the same skin condition affecting children.

He posted:

Dear @MoHCCZim,

I want to bring to your attention a potential outbreak of an unknown skin condition affecting children aged 5 and under in Bulawayo, seemingly spread via contact. To date, over 50 cases have been reported. The condition presents as blisters all over the body, extending to the underside of the feet.

@CityofBulawayo, please inform the city health department, as these cases have been documented in your clinics.

Efforts to get a commentf rom the health ministry was work in progress by the time of writing.