Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Health Reporter
ZIMBABWE is experiencing a seasonal surge in influenza cases, with weekly infections rising to between 10 000 and 12 000 as a prolonged cold spell pushes the country’s usual winter peak into August.
Health and Child Care Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze said the increase remained within the expected seasonal pattern, although the timing of the peak was later than usual.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to inform the public that Zimbabwe is experiencing a seasonal increase in influenza, commonly called flu, consistent with the pattern normally observed during the country’s cold winter months. Influenza activity typically peaks during June and July. This year, however, the peak is located in August, coinciding with the prolonged cold spell currently being experienced across the country,” he said.
Dr Maunganidze said laboratory testing by the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory had identified predominantly influenza A and influenza B viruses among the circulating strains.
“While this represents a later than usual seasonal peak, there is no cause for panic or alarm. Our recent surveillance data indicate that reported influenza cases have risen to nearly 12 000 cases per week during the current seasonal peak. No coronavirus has been isolated from the influenza samples tested. The Ministry continues to closely monitor the situation through the National Disease Surveillance and Laboratory System,” Dr Maunganidze said.
Since January, four deaths have been reported in relation to influenza.
However, Dr Maunganidze said the figure should be interpreted carefully because influenza could worsen existing illnesses and did not necessarily mean that every death involving an influenza-positive patient was caused by the virus.
“Influenza may aggravate underlying conditions such as asthma, tuberculosis, heart disease and other chronic conditions,” he said.
The latest figures show that the current influenza peak has come later than usual, but has not reached the levels recorded during some previous seasons.
Influenza cases outside the winter season generally remained between 1 000 and 2 500 per week. However, since around March, the country has been reporting an increase in cases, reaching between 5 000 and 6 000 cases per week. The current figure of between 10 000 and 12 000 cases have been reported in the past three weeks.
The highest number of cases in the recent past was reported in July 2025, when weekly infections exceeded 20 000.
Dr Maunganidze said the main feature of this year’s influenza season was the timing of the peak rather than an unprecedented number of infections.
“What is unique about this year is the timing of the peak, more than the fact that on a weekly basis we have not reached those numbers before. In fact, it’s just the timing which is linked to the cold spell which has gone into August,” he said.
On concerns around Covid-19, Dr Maunganidze said Zimbabwe was currently outside the declared Covid-19 epidemic and, therefore, was not routinely testing every patient presenting with influenza-like symptoms. He said testing remained available for cases where health professionals considered it necessary.
So far, 302 tests have been conducted for specific indications, with none detecting coronavirus.
Dr Maunganidze said most people recover from influenza without complications, but urged greater caution among groups at increased risk of severe illness.
These include children under five, particularly infants, people aged above 65, pregnant women and people living with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and HIV, as well as people with weakened immune systems.
He urged the public to take simple measures to limit transmission.
“We advise the public and encourage them to wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. We also advise to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Wear a face mask when experiencing respiratory symptoms, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated places. We are not advocating for universal use of face masks, but in the circumstances that I’ve mentioned,” he said.
He, however, encouraged people not to delay seeking medical attention when symptoms become severe, particularly among young children.
Dr Maunganidze said the Ministry would continue monitoring the situation and would provide further information if there were significant changes.
“Members of the public are, therefore, encouraged to remain calm and take the recommended preventive measures, protect those who are most vulnerable and seek medical attention promptly when necessary,” he said.
