Ministry of Health Denies Claims Of Five Covid-19 Deaths At Mpilo Hospital

Ministry of Health Says No Covid-19 Cases Detected At Mpilo And Sally Mugabe Hospitals

The Government has moved to calm public fears over claims of a fresh Covid-19 outbreak in Zimbabwe.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has dismissed social media reports alleging five Covid-19 deaths at Mpilo Central Hospital.

Messages circulating on WhatsApp and other platforms also claimed that Covid-19 cases had been recorded at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare.

The ministry said the reports were false and did not represent official Government communication.

It urged the public to verify health information before sharing it online.

Also Read: ‘Not Covid’: Zimbabwe Health Ministry Reassures Public Amid Fears of Rising Respiratory Infections

Influenza Cases Rise

Health authorities said current surveillance data points to increased influenza activity rather than a return of Covid-19.

Around 12 000 influenza cases are being recorded across the country each week.

Laboratory tests have mainly identified Influenza A and B among samples analysed.

The ministry said coronavirus has not been detected in the samples tested.

Authorities also stressed that the Ministry of Health does not use WhatsApp groups or channels to issue official public health updates.

Mpilo Deaths Linked To Severe Illness

The Government’s clarification follows concerns over an increase in influenza cases at Mpilo.

Hospital chief executive officer Professor Solwayo Ngwenya previously confirmed that five patients had died after presenting with severe respiratory symptoms.

The deaths had raised fears among members of the public that a new Covid-19 strain could be circulating.

However, Ngwenya ruled out a link to a new coronavirus strain.

Health authorities have continued monitoring the situation as influenza cases increase during the current cold spell.

Flu Peak Comes Later Than Usual

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr Aspect Maunganidze said influenza normally reaches its peak around June and July.

This year, however, the seasonal peak has shifted into August.

He attributed the later peak partly to the prolonged cold weather affecting the country.

Maunganidze said there was no need for panic despite the rise in cases.

He warned, however, that influenza can worsen existing health conditions.

These include asthma, tuberculosis, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and other chronic illnesses.

Vulnerable Groups Urged To Take Care

Health authorities have urged vulnerable groups to take extra precautions during the current influenza season.

Young children, older people, pregnant women and those living with chronic illnesses face a higher risk of developing severe complications.

People with weakened immune systems have also been advised to seek medical assistance when necessary.

The ministry urged anyone experiencing breathing difficulties, chest pain, persistent high fever or severe weakness to seek prompt medical attention.

Confusion, dehydration, convulsions or worsening symptoms after an initial recovery should also be treated as warning signs.

Parents and guardians have been urged to seek urgent care when young children struggle to breathe, refuse feeds or become unusually sleepy or unresponsive.