Zimbabwe: Malaria cases increase reported in 2020

Event

On Monday, April 20, Zimbabwe's Health Ministry announced that 170,303 malaria cases had been reported nationwide in 2020, including 152 deaths, representing a 44.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2019. The most affected region is the Manicaland province, which has recorded 61 percent of all cases.

Context

Malaria remains a prevalent risk throughout Zimbabwe and is most common during the rainy season between November and April. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and coughing.

Advice

To minimize the risk of contracting malaria, take measures to protect yourself against mosquito bites (i.e. wear insect repellents, long-sleeved shirts, and pants, etc.). Prophylactics and medications to treat the symptoms of the disease are available.