Zimbabwe is recording between 10,000 and 12,000 influenza cases every week as a prolonged cold spell pushes the country into an unusually late flu peak.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care confirmed that weekly cases have risen sharply from the normal off-season range of between 1,000 and 2,500.
However, health officials have urged Zimbabweans not to panic. Laboratory tests have identified Influenza A and Influenza B as the main viruses currently circulating across the country.
Furthermore, none of the 302 samples tested for COVID-19 returned a positive result.
Flu cases began climbing in March
According to Health Ministry surveillance data, influenza cases started increasing around March 2026.
Weekly infections initially rose to between 5,000 and 6,000. However, the numbers climbed above 10,000 during the past three weeks before reaching the current peak of almost 12,000 cases.
Zimbabwe usually experiences its highest flu activity during June and July. This year, the peak arrived in August and coincided with a prolonged period of cold weather.
Health and Child Care Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze said the timing of the surge was unusual, but the number of infections remained within an expected seasonal pattern.
The latest figures also remain below the more than 20,000 cases Zimbabwe recorded during a single week in mid-July 2025.
“The Ministry wishes to reassure the public once again that the current increase in influenza activity remains within the expected seasonal pattern,” Maunganidze said.
He added that Zimbabwe had surveillance, laboratory and clinical systems in place to monitor the situation.
Four influenza-related deaths recorded
The Health Ministry said four deaths related to influenza had been recorded since January 2026.
However, influenza can worsen existing medical conditions. Therefore, authorities continue to monitor serious cases involving people living with asthma, tuberculosis, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
Young children, especially infants and those under five, face a higher risk of severe complications. People aged 65 and older, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems should also take extra precautions.
Other high-risk groups include people living with diabetes, kidney disease, HIV, chronic heart conditions or respiratory illnesses.
Health officials advised people in these groups to seek medical attention early if they develop flu-like symptoms.
Common influenza symptoms include a sudden fever, dry cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, tiredness, a sore throat and a runny nose. Although most people recover within a week, a cough can continue for two weeks or longer.
Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain or signs of severe illness should seek medical attention promptly.
Tests find no evidence of COVID-19 surge
The increase in respiratory illness caused concern on social media, where some patients compared their symptoms to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, laboratory testing has not found evidence of a new coronavirus outbreak.
The National Microbiology Reference Laboratory identified mainly Influenza A and Influenza B viruses in the samples it examined.
Zimbabwe no longer conducts routine COVID-19 tests on everyone who arrives at a health facility with respiratory symptoms. However, the country retained testing capacity for cases where doctors suspect coronavirus or another serious infection.
Health professionals requested COVID-19 tests for 302 patients based on specific clinical indications. All 302 results were negative.
Therefore, the Ministry said the current increase should be treated as a seasonal influenza surge rather than a return of the COVID-19 epidemic.
How Zimbabweans can protect themselves
Influenza spreads easily when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks near other people. The virus can also spread through contaminated hands and frequently touched surfaces.
The Health Ministry advised Zimbabweans to wash their hands regularly with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser can also help when water is unavailable.
People should cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing. Additionally, homes, schools, offices and public transport vehicles should have adequate ventilation whenever possible.
Anyone experiencing flu symptoms should minimise close contact with other people and stay home where possible. Symptomatic people should also consider wearing masks in crowded settings to reduce the risk of infecting others.
However, the Government has not recommended universal mask-wearing.
Most people with mild influenza can recover at home by resting, drinking enough fluids and using paracetamol for fever or body pain as directed.
Health officials warned the public against taking antibiotics without a prescription. Influenza is caused by a virus, while antibiotics treat bacterial infections. Consequently, antibiotics will not cure ordinary flu and should only be used when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Although the jump to 12,000 weekly cases is significant, authorities believe Zimbabwe is experiencing a delayed seasonal peak rather than an unexpected new outbreak.
The Ministry will continue monitoring infections and has promised to release further information if the situation changes.
