VIRULENT FLU MISTAKEN FOR COVID-19 LASHES ZIMBABWE: FIVE DEAD IN BULAWAYO AS RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS SURGE NATIONWIDEBULAWAYO — A lethal and fast-spreading respiratory illness, initially feared to be a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, has claimed the lives of five individuals at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo. We have recorded five deaths from this flu here at Mpilo since we started receiving patients,” said Professor Ngwenya. Between January and April 2026, Zimbabwe recorded 174 malaria deaths, nearly double the 85 deaths recorded during the same period in 2025. Many Zimbabweans, wary of the costs associated with hospital visits, have turned to over-the-counter “flu packs” that often contain antibiotics. Key Public Health Advice from the Ministry of Health and Child Care:Isolation: If you exhibit symptoms, isolate immediately to prevent infecting others.