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<\/p>\nThe City of Harare Health Department has warned residents of Hopley, Stoneridge and surrounding communities of a scabies outbreak that was first detected in mid-June 2026.<\/p>\n
The majority of reported cases are among children below the age of 12 years.<\/p>\n
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Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/zimdailyjournal.co.zw\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/images-5.jpg\")
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Common symptoms include intense itching, particularly at night, skin rashes, and sores resulting from scratching, which may lead to secondary bacterial infections.<\/p>\n
The disease spreads mainly through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and by sharing infested clothing, bedding, and towels.<\/p>\n
Residents who experience persistent itching, skin rashes, or other symptoms consistent with scabies are strongly encouraged to seek prompt medical attention at their nearest health facility.<\/p>\n
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further spread of the disease.<\/p>\n
Household members and close contacts of affected individuals should also be assessed and treated where necessary to prevent re-infestation.<\/p>\n
To reduce the risk of transmission, the public is advised to:<\/p>\n
– Maintain good personal hygiene.<\/p>\n
– Avoid sharing clothing, towels, bedding, and other personal items.<\/p>\n
– Wash clothing, bedding, and towels regularly in hot water and dry them thoroughly.<\/p>\n
– Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by healthcare workers.<\/p>\n
– Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop.<\/p>\n
The City of Harare Health Department has activated outbreak response measures, including enhanced disease surveillance, case management, health education, and community awareness campaigns.<\/p>\n
Health teams are working closely with affected communities to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.<\/p>\n
The City of Harare urges all residents to cooperate with health personnel and adhere to the public health guidance provided by the rapid response teams.<\/p>\n
For further information or assistance, members of the public are advised to visit their nearest City of Harare clinic or health facility.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The City of Harare Health Department has warned residents of Hopley, Stoneridge and surrounding communities of a scabies outbreak that was first detected in mid-June 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6051,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6050","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news-zimbabwe"],"yoast_head":"\n