The Ministry of Health and Child Care has released its Weekly Disease Surveillance Report for the week ending 23 November 2025, revealing that widespread diarrhoeal and respiratory infections continue to dominate new cases across the country.
The latest statistics show these two disease categories accounting for the bulk of reported illnesses, while vector-borne and zoonotic diseases remain persistent threats in specific districts.
Common diarrhoea remained the leading condition, with 5 132 new cases, 42 percent of them affecting children under five.
Mashonaland West (868) and Manicaland (802) recorded the highest numbers. The condition continues to be a major public health burden, with cumulative figures now at 311 621 cases and 166 deaths since the start of the year.
Suspected influenza is also a cause for concern with 4 440 cases reported nationwide. Mashonaland West and Manicaland again topped the list with 1 373 and 1 340 cases respectively, indicating active transmission in these provinces.
The cumulative total for influenza has reached 311 255 cases and seven deaths, highlighting its continued seasonal burden.
| Disease | Weekly New Cases | Weekly Deaths | Cumulative Cases | Cumulative Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthrax | 10 | 0 | 189 | 0 |
| Dog bites | 592 | 0 | 24 799 | 3 |
| Dysentery | 347 | 0 | 15 725 | 6 |
| Suspected Influenza | 4 440 | 0 | 311 255 | 7 |
| Common Diarrhoea | 5 132 | 0 | 311 621 | 166 |
| Malaria | 601 | 0 | 156 010 | 429 |
Dog bites featured prominently, with 592 incidents reported in a single week. 65 percent of those bitten were attacked by dogs of unknown vaccination status, raising concerns over possible rabies exposure.
Masvingo Province reported the highest number of cases (97), followed by Mashonaland West (89). The cumulative burden now stands at 24 799 cases and three deaths.
Meanwhile, malaria infections remained significant though comparatively lower, with 601 new cases reported, largely from Mashonaland Central (218) and Manicaland (176).
With 156 010 cumulative cases and 429 deaths, malaria remains one of the deadliest conditions under surveillance.
Dysentery accounted for 347 new cases, mainly from Mashonaland West and Manicaland, both reporting 47 cases each. Cumulative figures have reached 15 725 cases and six deaths, indicating ongoing challenges in water and sanitation systems.
Anthrax, though much smaller in scale, continues to appear in hotspot districts. Ten cases were recorded this week, mostly from Gokwe North and South and Sanyati.
While no deaths were reported, the cumulative total has climbed to 189 cases, reflecting the recurring nature of livestock-linked outbreaks.