BULAWAYO health authorities have raised alarm over persistent malaria deaths, rising diarrhoeal cases and a worrying increase in acute malnutrition, even as some communicable diseases show signs of decline.
Presenting the May 2026 disease surveillance report on June 5, health services director Edwin Mzingwane Sibanda said the city remained on high alert for epidemic-prone conditions.
He cited the enhanced emergency response mechanisms deployed across the city to detect, contain and manage outbreaks.
The report confirmed 21 malaria-positive cases and three deaths during May, alongside 195 diarrhoea cases and two deaths.
Influenza also persisted, with 70 cases recorded.
No suspected measles or dysentery cases were reported, but two maternal deaths added to ongoing concerns over maternal health.
The city recorded 53 dog bite injuries, seven snake bites and one cat bite.
Of 58 dog bites investigated, 30 involved vaccinated animals, 21 unvaccinated, and four were from stray dogs.
- Bulawayo water passes quality test
- Council launches blitz against illegal shops
- Bulawayo vaccinates over 7 000 dogs
- Public toilets shortage hits Byo
Keep Reading
Nineteen intimations were issued to non-compliant dog owners.
A suspected anthrax case linked to biltong consumption from rural areas returned negative results after testing.
A suspected leprosy case was also recorded, with laboaratory results pending.
Acute malnutrition cases rose to 36 in May, up from 25 the previous month, ranging from marasmic kwashiorkor to severe wasting and bilateral oedema — a trend officials described as a growing.
Hand, foot and mouth disease dropped sharply to 13 cases in May from 39 in April, though the cumulative total since January stands at 2 235 suspected cases.
Officials also noted a general decline in diarrhoeal and influenza cases per month since January.
Health teams maintained 100% follow-up on all suspected infectious diseases, with active case finding, risk communication and entomological surveillance ongoing.
Community engagement and prevention campaigns continue.
One diarrhoea-related death initially reported in the community was later ruled out after investigations confirmed pneumonia as the actual cause.
