Zimbabwe’s Health Ministry has moved to ease public concern following a sharp rise in influenza cases nationwide.
Officials say the increase reflects normal seasonal activity rather than an unusual outbreak.
Speaking in Harare on Thursday, Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze urged Zimbabweans to remain calm.
He linked the rising infections to the country’s prolonged cold weather.
Influenza cases reach seasonal high
According to the ministry, weekly influenza cases have approached 12,000 during the current seasonal peak.
Laboratory tests have identified both Influenza A and Influenza B among circulating viruses.
“Recent surveillance data indicate that reported influenza cases have risen to nearly 12 000 cases per week during the current seasonal peak. Laboratory testing by the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory has identified predominantly Influenza A and Influenza B viruses among the circulating influenza viruses. No coronavirus has been isolated from the influenza samples tested,” he said.
Meanwhile, national health authorities continue tracking influenza through surveillance and laboratory systems.
Since January 2026, officials have recorded four deaths associated with influenza.
Authorities monitor severe infections
Despite the seasonal increase, the ministry continues monitoring severe cases and influenza-related deaths.
Officials have also warned that influenza can worsen several existing health conditions.
These include asthma, tuberculosis, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
Therefore, health authorities continue monitoring patients who develop severe symptoms or complications.
The ministry has maintained that the current figures do not signal an abnormal influenza outbreak.
Instead, officials attribute the increase to seasonal conditions intensified by the country’s prolonged cold spell.
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