Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
THREE local authorities in the Midlands Province have dismissed circulating social media reports alleging a bedbug (insikizi/tsikidzi) outbreak in their areas, asserting that there is no cause for alarm and that proactive pest control measures are already in place.
Redcliff Municipality, Kwekwe City Council and Gweru City Council have all confirmed that their areas are free of bedbug infestation, contrary to online claims suggesting outbreaks in Kwekwe’s Mbizo 7 and Amaveni suburbs.
The reports appear to have been triggered by recent confirmed infestations in parts of Harare, particularly Mbare, which prompted national concern and increased vigilance across urban centres.
Kwekwe Town Clerk Dr Lucia Mnkandla, reassured residents that the city is free of bedbugs following the council’s targeted fumigation exercise.
“We no longer have major issues with bedbugs. Extensive fumigation has been conducted in Mbizo and Amaveni suburbs. We are also rolling out community awareness programmes to encourage home renovations and improved hygiene standards,” she said.
Kwekwe Mayor Councillor, Albert Zinhanga, acknowledged isolated reports of bedbugs in some sections of Mbizo 7 and Amaveni, but emphasised that the situation is under control.
“There is no need for panic. Our health department is conducting continuous fumigation in affected pockets. Kwekwe remains safe, and the public should disregard false claims of a widespread outbreak,” he said.
In neighbouring Redcliff, municipal authorities confirmed there have been no verified cases of bedbugs, but said preventative fumigation was being conducted as a safeguard.
Redcliff Municipality spokesperson Mr Michael Magoronga, said routine pest control measures are targeting high-risk areas such as schools, public buildings and densely populated suburbs.
“In the wake of confirmed outbreaks elsewhere in the country, we’ve taken a proactive stance by intensifying fumigation and raising community awareness. We urge residents to promptly report any suspected cases to local clinics or the municipality,” he said.
Gweru City Council (GCC) has also not recorded any cases of bedbugs but remains on alert. Pest control teams have been dispatched to assess potential risk areas, especially in Mtapa, Ascot and Mambo high-density suburbs.
GCC spokesperson Ms Vimbai Chingwaramusee, said the city has a contingency fumigation programme in place and continues to educate residents on prevention.
She said although they have not detected any infestation, they are not taking any chances.
“Residents are being educated on how bedbugs spread, typically through seams of clothing, luggage, bedding and furniture. Maintaining hygiene and minimising clutter are key steps in prevention,” said Ms Chingwaramusee.
Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown parasites that feed on human blood, often at night. Although not known to transmit diseases, they can cause intense discomfort through itchy bites, allergic reactionsand in some cases, secondary infections. Chronic infestations may lead to anaemia due to blood loss, especially among vulnerable populations.
Signs of infestation include red, itchy welts on the skin, small blood stains on bedding, a musty odour, and visible bugs or their shed skins in mattress seams or crevices.
Health officials recommend several preventative measures, which include inspecting second-hand furniture and clothing before use, washing and drying clothes at high temperatures, using bedbug-proof mattress covers and regularly vacuuming and decluttering living spaces.
