By Wallace Mawire
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has informed the public that Zimbabwe is experiencing a seasonal increase in influenza, (flu), consistent with the pattern normally observed during the country’s cold winter months.
The Ministry said in a statement today, 13 August 2026, that influenza activity typically peaks during June and July, however for this year, the peak has occurred in August, coinciding with the prolonged cold spell currently being experienced across the country.
Government further reiterated that while it represents a later than usual seasonal peak, there is no cause for panic or alarm.
According to the Ministry, recent surveillance data indicate that reported influenza cases have risen to nearly 12,000 cases per week during the current seasonal peak, adding that laboratory testing by the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory has identified predominantly Influenza A and Influenza B viruses among the circulating influenza viruses and no coronavirus has been isolated from the influenza samples tested.
The Ministry said it continues to closely monitor the situation through the national disease surveillance and laboratory systems.
According to the Ministry, since January 2026, four deaths have been reported in relation to influenza. The Ministry said it however notes that influenza may aggravate underlying conditions such as asthma, tuberculosis, heart disease and other chronic conditions, and continues to monitor severe cases and deaths.
They added that while most people recover from influenza without complications, greater caution is advised for children under five years, particularly infants, people aged 65 years and above,
pregnant women, people living with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and HIV and people with weakened immune systems or other conditions that increase the risk of severe respiratory.
The Ministry has advised members of the public to wash hands regularly with soap and clean water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing,wear a face mask when experiencing respiratory symptoms and in crowded or poorly ventilated places, avoid close contact with people who are unwell, stay at home and minimise contact with others when experiencing flu-like symptoms, ensure good ventilation in homes, workplaces, schools and other indoor spaces; and to maintain adequate nutrition, hydration and rest.
They added that most people with mild influenza can recover safely at home with adequate rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for fever and body aches, as directed. They said antibiotics do not treat influenza, as it is caused by a virus, and should only be taken when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
The Ministry said prompt medical attention should be sought where there is difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent or very high fever, severe weakness or confusion, inability to drink or signs of dehydration, convulsions, or worsening symptoms after an initial improvement.
Parents and guardians should seek urgent care for young children who have difficulty breathing, refuse to breastfeed or take feeds, become unusually sleepy or unresponsive, or show other signs of severe illness.
The Ministry said it wishes to reassure the public that the current increase in influenza activity remains within the expected seasonal pattern, although the peak has extended into August in the context of the current cold spell. There is no cause for panic.
The Ministry said it has the necessary surveillance, laboratory and clinical systems in place and is adequately monitoring and responding to the situation. Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, take the recommended preventive measures, protect those who are most vulnerable, and seek medical attention promptly when necessary.
The Ministry saud it will continue to monitor developments and provide further information should there be any significant change in the situation.