MILLICENT HUNGWE
Masvingo has recorded a noticeable increase in seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses, with health officials urging residents to take precautionary measures as the country continues to experience cold winter conditions.
PSMI Clinic Masvingo Medical Officer, Dr Simbarashe Makati, said the facility had observed an increase in respiratory system-related illnesses over the past week, with flu-like symptoms accounting for a significant number of consultations.
“We have noted an increase in respiratory system related illnesses over the past week.
“We were open throughout the just ended Heroes & Defence forces holidays and the majority of the patients had these flu symptoms. On 12/08/2026, over 20 cases were treated at the clinic in a single day,” said Dr Makati.
He, however, said there had been no cases at the clinic that warranted hospital admission or resulted in deaths.
“Fortunately, we have not recorded any illness warranting hospital admissions or any deaths,” he said.
The increase in cases comes amid reports of rising flu infections across the country, with Zimbabwe experiencing particularly cold temperatures since mid-July.
According to information circulated by PSMI Clinic Masvingo, flu symptoms generally last longer than those associated with the common cold and may include fever, chills, rigors, coughing, blocked or runny nose, sore throat, fatigue and muscle pain.
Vomiting may also occur, particularly among children.
Health authorities are also urging residents to remain alert to symptoms that may signal a more serious illness.
These include very high or persistent fever, difficulty breathing, bluish discolouration of the lips, dehydration or refusal to drink among children, and symptoms that initially improve before suddenly becoming worse.
People at greater risk of complications include children under five years, elderly people above 65 years and individuals living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and HIV.
Dr Makati urged residents to seek medical attention early whenever they develop worrying symptoms.
“I urge the residence of Masvingo to keep warm, mask up and seek medical attention should they have any danger signs,” he said.
He also encouraged residents to continue observing preventive measures in crowded places, particularly as people return to normal activities following the public holidays.
“As we enter the busy week after the holidays, let’s use the precautionary measures in the banks and shopping areas as we prepare for the opening of schools,” he said.
The clinic has advised the public to practise good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap or using sanitiser, ensure adequate ventilation and avoid unnecessary contact with people who are unwell.
Residents have also been reminded that vaccination remains an important preventive measure against influenza.
Medical practitioners have cautioned against the misuse of antibiotics, emphasising that people should not take antibiotics without consulting a healthcare professional.
The advice comes as concerns over respiratory illnesses have resurfaced nationally, with reports of deaths associated with flu-like illnesses elsewhere in the country.
However, health officials have stressed the importance of distinguishing seasonal influenza from COVID-19, while encouraging members of the public with severe or persistent symptoms to seek professional medical assessment rather than self-diagnosing.
Residents are therefore encouraged to keep warm, practise hand hygiene, maintain proper ventilation, avoid contact with sick people and seek medical assistance promptly when serious symptoms develop.
