Zimbabwe is recording a sharp increase in seasonal influenza infections, with weekly cases climbing to between 10,000 and 12,000 in recent weeks, according to figures from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
The latest numbers are significantly higher than the usual off-season weekly range of between 1,000 and 2,500 cases. Health authorities say the increase has coincided with a prolonged cold spell, with the influenza peak occurring later than usual this year.
Official data indicates that infections started rising around March, when weekly cases reached approximately 5,000 to 6,000. Over the past three weeks, however, the figure has gone beyond 10,000 cases per week.
Despite the recent surge, the current situation remains below the levels recorded during the same period last year, when more than 20,000 cases were reported in a single week in mid-July.
Ministry of Health and Child Care Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze said the main concern this year was the unusually late timing of the seasonal peak rather than the overall severity of the outbreak.
He urged the public to remain calm, saying health authorities were closely monitoring developments.
“The Ministry wishes to reassure the public once again that the current increase in influenza activity remains within the expected seasonal pattern, although the peak has now occurred in August. There is no cause for panic,” Dr Maunganidze said.
He added that the country had surveillance, laboratory and clinical systems in place to monitor and respond to the increase in cases.
Since the beginning of the year, four deaths have been recorded in cases associated with influenza.
Meanwhile, 302 tests conducted for specific indications have reportedly returned negative results for coronavirus, according to the ministry.
Health authorities continue to encourage the public to take precautions against respiratory infections, particularly during the ongoing cold weather.
