The Zimbabwean government has dismissed concerns that the country is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak. Officials confirmed that the current virus circulating is influenza, not COVID-19, and there have been no recorded COVID-19 cases in the last four weeks.
During a post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere urged the public to avoid crowds to prevent the spread of the flu. “The recent increase in influenza cases is due to the seasonal rise we usually see as we approach winter,” Muswere said. “This is not a COVID-19 outbreak.”
Muswere added that the number of influenza cases this year is lower compared to the same period last year, with 99,000 cases in 2024 versus 149,000 cases in 2023. Despite this, he emphasized the importance of preventative measures such as handwashing, avoiding crowds, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when symptomatic.
Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora, speaking in the National Assembly, said the government does not have statistics on the number of people who have succumbed to the influenza virus this year. “Every year, we have a few people who succumb to the virus, mainly children under five, due to their immature immune systems,” Mombeshora explained. “Adults with underlying conditions and those over 65 are also at higher risk.”
Mombeshora dismissed social media reports suggesting widespread fatalities from the flu. “There have been exaggerations on social media,” he said. “We will follow up on these reports, but so far, it’s not true.”
He also highlighted other high-risk groups, including pregnant women and those in the post-pregnancy period. “Pregnant women, especially in the two weeks post-pregnancy, are also at risk due to weakened immune systems,” Mombeshora added.
Despite the flu outbreak, officials stressed that it is crucial to maintain public health measures to minimize the spread of the virus. The government is actively monitoring the situation and encourages the public to stay informed through official channels.
Source: Newsday
