Tanzania issues public health alert as Covid-19, influenza, and dengue fever cases rise

DODOMA, Tanzania 

Tanzania government has issued a nationwide health alert following a rise in infectious diseases including Covid-19, cholera, influenza and dengue fever. 

In a public advisory released on Wednesday, February 25; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Grace Magembe urged citizens to remain vigilant, saying health facilities are reporting an increase in patients presenting flu-like symptoms.

“The Ministry of Health has continued to monitor the trend of epidemics. Recently, there has been an increase in cases of severe influenza and Covid-19.” Magembe said.

She explained that the respiratory illnesses spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces.

Common symptoms include high fever, cough, headache, body aches, runny nose, sore throat and fatigue.

According to the ministry, the current trend is consistent with seasonal patterns.

“Data shows that every year between November and April, there is an increase in the incidence of severe influenza and Covid-19 in the country and around the world,” Magembe noted.

The ministry also raised concern over dengue fever, warning that the ongoing monsoon season has created favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

“Similarly, the Ministry would like to issue a warning about Dengue Fever due to the fact that many areas in the country are in the monsoon season, which leads to an increase in mosquito breeding grounds,” she said.

Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, identifiable by its black body with white spots, which typically bites during the morning, afternoon and evening. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint pain, eye pain and fatigue, often resembling malaria.

Authorities are also maintaining heightened surveillance for cholera following heavy rains and reported cases in neighbouring countries.

Magembe disclosed that cholera infections have been reported in all 31 regions except Kilimanjaro and Njombe, although no deaths have been recorded so far.

“Our country has been in the midst of a cholera outbreak that has affected all regions except Kilimanjaro and Njombe. Despite these successes against cholera, we are still at risk due to the ongoing rains and the presence of infections in neighbouring countries,” she said.

The government assured the public that surveillance and response measures remain in place.

“The government is committed to monitoring and providing services against all infectious diseases and will continue to provide regular updates if there are changes in the spread of the disease or if further action is needed,” Magembe added.

Health officials are urging the public to observe hygiene measures, eliminate mosquito breeding sites and seek medical care early as the country navigates the multi-disease alert.