Investigations have determined that the recent surge in flu-like illnesses reported across Zimbabwe is a result of the common cold associated with the winter season, rather than any new or exotic bug.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has been closely monitoring the situation through routine disease surveillance, which has shown an increase in cold and flu-like symptoms since the start of the year. However, after thorough investigations, the ministry is confident that the illnesses are simply the common cold virus and not caused by COVID-19 or other new viruses.
"The Ministry of Health and Child Care wants to reassure the public that the flu-like illnesses we are seeing in the country are due to the common cold," explained Dr. Aspect Maunganidze, the Secretary for Health and Child Care. "The winter season is typically associated with a higher incidence of common colds, and that is what the data is showing us so far."
Influenza is an acute viral respiratory disease often characterized by fever, headache, sore throat and cough. These viruses can spread rapidly from person to person, causing seasonal outbreaks that can result in significant illness.
Dr. Maunganidze emphasized the importance of the public remaining vigilant and maintaining healthy lifestyles. "We advise everyone to lead healthy lifestyles, stay hydrated, keep warm, and take over-the-counter cold remedies if necessary," he said.
Similar surges in flu-like illnesses have been reported in other countries during the winter season. Botswana's Health Ministry has noted that the spike in cases seen there has already started to subside.
