Malaria Cases Hit 11 000 in One Week

Rutendo Mazhindu – Zim Now Reporter

Malaria remains one of Zimbabwe’s deadliest health threats, with 11 030 cases and 33 deaths reported in a single week, according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care's Weekly Disease Surveillance Report for the week ending May 11, 2025.

The highest number of cases was recorded in Mashonaland Central, which reported 4,790 infections. Deaths were confirmed in Mudzi District (2) and Murewa District (1) in Mashonaland East, Centenary District (3) in Harare Metropolitan, and one at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo. Children under five years old accounted for 1,320 (10%) of the total cases.

Health officials have warned that despite ongoing prevention efforts, the malaria burden remains high in several regions. They have urged communities in high-risk areas to sleep under insecticide-treated nets, eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, and seek medical treatment promptly if symptoms arise.

While malaria led the week's health burden, other diseases also continue to affect thousands across the country.

Common diarrhoea cases stood at 4,809, with one death recorded at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare. Children under five accounted for 40% (1,916) of these cases. Manicaland (884) and Mashonaland West (735) reported the highest numbers. Since the beginning of the year, 134,149 cases and 58 deaths have been recorded.

Suspected influenza cases increased to 5,209, though no deaths were reported. The highest case numbers came from Mashonaland West (2,258) and Manicaland (1,475). To date, the country has recorded 85,149 suspected influenza cases in 2025.

Meanwhile, dog bite incidents continue to rise, with 528 new cases reported this week. Of the total, 112 were caused by vaccinated dogs, 97 by unvaccinated dogs, and 319 by dogs of unknown vaccination status. The year-to-date total now stands at 11,958 cases.