Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in South Africa: 160+ Cases in Single Day on One Province

On February 18th 2025, South Africa’s health authorities were alarmed about the outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). More than 160 new infection cases have been reported within the same province on a single day. Young children were the most affected among every person causing increased concern among parents and communities.

In Phoenix, north of Durban, six cases were confirmed among Grade 1 and 3 pupils at Lenham Primary School. The eThekwini Municipality’s Area Based Outbreak Response Team has been closely monitoring the situation. In addition, 12 other pupils had symptomatic headaches, flu-like signs and blisters on their hands. The children were sent home for health evaluation.

The Department of Health of KwaZulu-Natal has called for calm from the public observing that HFMD is a common viral illness essentially afflicting infants and young children. 

HFMD is highly contagious transmitting from one infected person to unaffected persons mainly through contact with secretions from the mouth, nose and eyes. Symptoms usually develop three to six days after exposure and can last for a maximum of ten days. Health authorities have urged parents to seek medical help when their children exhibit HFMD symptoms.

In addition, the Communicable Disease Team visits schools and communities to put hygiene practices in place and strengthen response efforts. While the rising trend of HFMD is alarming, health authorities are of the opinion that with proper hygiene and medical attention, the outbreak can be contained.