Flu surge hits Harare, city records nearly 800 cases in a week

HARARE - Zimbabwe's capital is experiencing a delayed but sharp rise in influenza cases, with health officials warning that Harare may be heading into a late seasonal peak despite overall winter numbers being far lower than the past two years.

According to the latest Influenza Surveillance Report from Harare City Epidemiologist Dr Michael Vere, a total of 3,019 influenza cases were recorded between May and July 2026, covering weeks 18 to 31. "That is a significant drop compared to 7,567 cases in the same period in 2024 and 10,172 cases in 2025," Dr Vere said.

He noted that while May and June recorded lighter burdens, July ended with a sudden increase. The city recorded 1,779 cases in July 2026, compared to 3,876 in July 2024 and 5,545 in July 2025.

Week‑on‑week data shows transmission accelerating rapidly. Week 29 recorded 203 cases, week 30 had 456, and week 31 - covering 2 to 8 August - surged to 796 cases. "Week 31 of 2026 alone surpassed the same week in both 2024, which had 739 cases, and 2025, which had 681 cases," Dr Vere said.

"This may suggest that influenza transmission in 2026 is delayed compared to the previous two years. The sharp increase during the final weeks of July could represent the beginning of a late seasonal peak," he added.

Initial laboratory testing points to Influenza A as the major cause of the current surge, although sample collection is ongoing to rule out other respiratory infections. The City Health Department reports that no confirmed influenza deaths have been recorded in council facilities to date. Officials say they continue monitoring trends, hospital admissions at referral hospitals and outcomes of all respiratory infections.

Dr Vere said the department has strengthened surveillance and ensured the availability of medicines for symptomatic management. Public health messaging is also focusing on respiratory hygiene and early care‑seeking to prevent further spread.

"Although the overall influenza burden in Harare during May to July 2026 is substantially lower than in the previous two years, the rapid increase in cases at the end of July is a surveillance alert for the city," he said. "Thus, we will continue monitoring the trends in the upcoming weeks and months."

Health officials are urging residents to practise handwashing, cover coughs and sneezes, wear masks in crowded spaces and seek medical attention early if they develop flu‑like symptoms such as fever, cough and body aches.

This update contributes to wider discussions around urban disease surveillance and seasonal influenza trends.