Staff reporter
Zimbabwe has reported no active Covid-19 cases, but the country is currently grappling with a severe wave of winter-related influenza, confirmed Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) Permanent Secretary, Dr Aspect Maunganidze.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Maunganidze confirmed that all returning pilgrims from Hajj in Mecca had successfully completed the Covid-19 incubation period without a single positive case.
“Two weeks after the pilgrimage, no positive Covid-19 cases have been recorded among returning individuals, indicating the country's successful precautionary measures,” said Dr Maunganidze.
Additionally, Dr Maunganidze emphasized that the ministry has been monitoring the situation closely, with no Covid-19 cases reported for over a month. The strain of influenza currently affecting Zimbabwe is severe, but it is unrelated to Covid-19.
"There are no Covid-19 cases here in Zimbabwe, but we are dealing with a flu virus common during the winter season due to the cold weather,” he stated.
Furthermore, Dr Maunganidze noted that while symptoms of Covid-19 and flue are similar, most people with the flue recover on their own.
“However, flue complications can be deadly, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children under 12 months, pregnant women, adults over 65, and individuals with co-morbidities. WHO reports indicate that the influenza viruses circulating in Zimbabwe are primarily types A and B, with type A being more dominant and responsible for the seasonal flu outbreak.
The current influenza strain's severity is attributed to mutations in the virus. The reason why the flu bug is more severe is that these viruses mutate. Deaths are often due to secondary infections in individuals with weakened immune systems," explained Dr Maunganidze
Meanwhile, a contact from the Ministry noted that despite concerns over a fresh Covid-19 wave in some countries, especially among pilgrims returning from Hajj in Mecca, Zimbabwean pilgrims have returned infection-free.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings about a resurgence of Covid-19 in some regions, particularly among Hajj pilgrims.
“They have recommended increased surveillance at ports of entry and isolation for returning pilgrims. Zimbabwe, adhering to these precautions, has not reported any new Covid-19 cases among those who participated in the pilgrimage,” explained the contact.
The MOHCC continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to adhere to preventive measures and seek medical attention if experiencing severe flu symptoms.
As Zimbabwe navigates through the winter season, the focus remains on maintaining zero Covid-19 cases and managing the influenza outbreak effectively.
