Reported influenza cases in Zimbabwe have risen to nearly 12 000 a week during the current seasonal peak, with laboratory tests showing that Influenza A and Influenza B are the predominant viruses circulating, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has said.
The ministry, however, said there was no cause for panic, noting the increase remained within the expected seasonal pattern despite this year’s influenza peak occurring later than usual.
The latest figures come amid growing public concern over a flu-like illness reported in Bulawayo and other parts of the country, with some members of the public describing the symptoms as particularly severe.
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According to the ministry, influenza activity normally peaks during June and July, but this year the peak has shifted to August, coinciding with the prolonged cold spell experienced across the country.
“Recent surveillance data indicate that reported influenza cases have risen to nearly 12 000 cases per week during the current seasonal peak,” the ministry said in a statement on seasonal influenza activity in Zimbabwe.
“Laboratory testing by the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory has identified predominantly Influenza A and Influenza B viruses among the circulating influenza viruses. No coronavirus has been isolated from the influenza samples tested.”
The ministry said it was continuing to monitor the situation through the country’s disease surveillance and laboratory systems.
The ministry said since January, four deaths have been reported in relation to influenza, although authorities warned the virus can worsen underlying health conditions, including asthma, tuberculosis, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
At Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, five people reportedly died after presenting with flu-like symptoms, while more than 1 000 patients have been treated for the illness since May, according to reports.
The ministry said most people infected with influenza recover without complications but urged greater caution among groups considered at higher risk of severe illness.
These include children under five, particularly infants, people aged 65 and above, pregnant women, people living with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and HIV, as well as those with weakened immune systems.
The latest warning comes after the ministry earlier this week urged Zimbabweans to remain calm and take preventive measures as seasonal influenza cases increased.
The ministry said the rise was consistent with the pattern normally observed during the country’s cold winter months.
Health authorities have encouraged members of the public to regularly wash their hands with soap and clean water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and wear face masks when experiencing respiratory symptoms.
People have also been urged to wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places, avoid close contact with sick people and remain at home, where possible, when experiencing flu-like symptoms.
The ministry further advised households, schools and workplaces to ensure adequate ventilation and encouraged people to maintain good nutrition, hydration and sufficient rest.
For people with mild influenza, the ministry said recovery could generally take place at home with adequate rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for fever and body aches, taken as directed.
It warned against the unnecessary use of antibiotics, stressing that influenza is caused by viruses and antibiotics do not treat viral infections. Antibiotics should only be taken when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
However, the ministry urged people to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms become severe.
Warning signs include difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent or very high fever, severe weakness or confusion, inability to drink, signs of dehydration, convulsions or symptoms that worsen after an initial improvement.
Parents and guardians were advised to seek urgent medical care for children experiencing difficulty breathing, refusing to breastfeed or take feeds, becoming unusually sleepy or unresponsive or showing other signs of severe illness.
The ministry said the later-than-usual August peak should be understood in the context of the prolonged cold conditions rather than as an indication of an unusual disease outbreak.
“While this represents a later than usual seasonal peak, there is no cause for panic or alarm,” the ministry said.
It also reassured the public that Zimbabwe has surveillance, laboratory and clinical systems in place to monitor the situation and respond to severe cases.
The ministry urged the public to remain vigilant rather than panic, particularly by protecting vulnerable groups and seeking medical attention when necessary.
“The Ministry wishes to reassure the public that the current increase in influenza activity remains within the expected seasonal pattern, although the peak has extended into August in the context of the current cold spell,” it said.
“The Ministry will continue to monitor developments and provide further information should there be any significant change in the situation.”
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