Midlands quashes bed bug fears

A surge of anxiety has spread across Redcliff, Kwekwe and Gweru as social media posts raised fears of a bedbug outbreak, following a confirmed infestation in Mbare, Harare.

But local authorities in the Midlands Province have moved swiftly to allay public fears, firmly stating that no such outbreak has been recorded in their areas.

The alarm was first sparked by disturbing images and reports circulating online, showing severe bedbug infestations in Mbare  -  a densely populated suburb of Harare. That outbreak prompted health alerts and led to fears that other towns, particularly in the Midlands, might be the next in line.

Kwekwe City Council, Redcliff Municipality and Gweru City Council have since issued public statements to address the growing concern.

"We no longer have major problems with bedbugs," said Dr Lucia Mnkandla, Kwekwe's town clerk. "We have been conducting extensive fumigation in hotspots and continue raising awareness on hygiene and home maintenance."

Kwekwe mayor Councillor Albert Zinhanga confirmed that only isolated reports had come from Amaveni and Mbizo Section 7.

"This does not amount to an outbreak," he emphasised. "The affected areas are under ongoing fumigation by our health teams. There's no need to panic."

Redcliff Municipality has taken a proactive stance as a preventive measure.

"We are not waiting for an outbreak," said council spokesperson Michael Magoronga. "In light of the confirmed situation in Mbare, we've initiated a comprehensive fumigation campaign and are encouraging residents to report any suspected infestations."

In Gweru, council spokesperson Vimbai Chingwaramusee said no cases had been reported, but pest control teams were on alert.

"We're actively assessing suburbs like Mtapa, Ascot and Mambo. Though there's no outbreak, we have fumigation teams on standby and ready to respond if needed," she said.

Health officials are also educating communities on how bedbugs typically spread  -  often via luggage, second-hand furniture, and clothing. Residents are urged to wash used clothes in hot water, vacuum homes regularly, and use mattress encasements to reduce risk.

Bedbugs are not just a nuisance  -  they cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and in extreme cases, anaemia due to frequent biting. Their stealthy nature and resilience make early detection and regular hygiene essential.

Authorities stressed that fear-mongering online only creates panic and misinformation, which can hamper real efforts to prevent and manage pests.

Instead, they are calling for community cooperation and vigilance.

"Let's focus on facts, not fear," said Clr Zinhanga. "With community engagement and hygiene awareness, we can keep our homes safe."

As Midlands towns brace for potential threats, councils are determined not to let Mbare's situation repeat itself. The message is clear: prevention is key  -  and the power to stay bedbug-free lies in the hands of informed and united communities.