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By Health Correspondent — The government has issued a nationwide health alert following a surge in diarrhoea and other infectious diseases across Zimbabwe, according to the latest epidemiological report from the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The alert comes as health authorities warn of rising cases of influenza, malaria, dysentery, and common diarrhoea, particularly affecting children under five years old. According to the Health Ministry’s weekly disease surveillance update, influenza remains widespread, with 5 220 new suspected cases reported this week and two deaths recorded at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare. Manicaland (1 884 cases) and Mashonaland West (1 556 cases) were the hardest-hit provinces. Cumulatively, 276 054 influenza cases and six deaths have been reported nationwide this year. Dysentery also remains a concern, with 357 new cases and one death reported this week. Mashonaland West recorded 77 cases, followed by Mashonaland Central and Manicaland with 55 each. The cumulative figure now stands at 12 979 cases and five deaths since the start of the year. Malaria continues to pose a major public health challenge, claiming 12 lives this week out of 3 021 new cases. Fatalities were recorded in Harare Metropolitan, Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Matabeleland North, Mashonaland West, and Matabeleland South. Among the new cases, 363 involved children under five years old. Mashonaland East led with 1 202 cases, followed by Mashonaland Central with 895. The total malaria burden this year has reached 147 556 cases and 401 deaths. Meanwhile, common diarrhoea cases remain worryingly high, with 9 261 new cases reported this week — nearly half involving children under five. Mashonaland West (1 679) and Mashonaland Central (1 360) reported the highest numbers. Since January, Zimbabwe has recorded 257 714 diarrhoea cases and 152 deaths. The Health Ministry also reported eight anthrax cases in Gokwe North, Midlands Province, though no deaths have been recorded. To date, there have been 125 anthrax cases this year, all non-fatal. Dog bites continue to be a frequent health concern, with 553 new cases recorded this week — including 103 from vaccinated dogs, 96 from unvaccinated dogs, and 354 from dogs of unknown vaccination status. Masvingo (80 cases) and Manicaland (79 cases) reported the highest numbers. Zimbabwe has so far registered 21 201 dog bite incidents this year, though no related deaths have been reported. The Ministry of Health urged communities to maintain high levels of hygiene, ensure safe drinking water, and seek prompt medical attention for any diarrhoeal symptoms, especially among young children, as the rainy season approaches.
