Flu Bug Hits Bulawayo, Young Children Severely Affected
BULAWAYO – A severe flu outbreak in Bulawayo is overwhelming Mpilo Central Hospital, with children under five struggling with life-threatening respiratory illnesses.
The hospital’s Clinical Director, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, remarked that the trend appears to be seasonal, and infants, particularly those between four weeks and two months old, seem to be the most impacted.
“There’s no specific flu bug identified, but this seems to be part of a seasonal trend,” he said.
Prof Ngwenya further expressed concern over the growing number of severe respiratory cases among young children, stating, “We are seeing a concerning number of infants coming in with respiratory illnesses.”
Parents are being advised to remain watchful for flu symptoms like high fever, sneezing, and coughing and to seek medical attention early if symptoms worsen.
Ngwenya highlighted the importance of early action, adding, “Prompt medical intervention is critical for severe cases.”
He also recommended masking up in schools to limit the spread of the illness and encouraged parents to keep sick children at home to avoid infecting others.
According to Pindula, masking up could help reduce the spread of the virus significantly, especially in crowded settings such as schools.
Local pharmacies have experienced a surge in demand for children’s flu medication, leading to temporary shortages.
Pharmacists have described the overwhelming number of parents seeking remedies for their sick toddlers. One pharmacist said, “We’ve seen an overwhelming number of parents seeking remedies for their children. Restocking efforts are underway.”
Mpilo Central Hospital is closely monitoring the trend to mitigate its impact.
Health authorities remain vigilant to prevent further spread and ensure the safety of the most vulnerable.
