HARARE, August 17, 2026 — Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care has dismissed social media claims of a rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths in the country, saying the reports are false.

In a public health notice , the ministry said claims of COVID-19 deaths at Mpilo Central Hospital and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital were untrue and did not represent official government communication.

The ministry said Zimbabwe is instead experiencing a seasonal increase in influenza, with surveillance data showing nearly 12,000 influenza cases per week during the current peak. Laboratory testing has predominantly detected influenza A and B, with no coronavirus detected in the influenza samples tested.

The ministry warned members of the public against circulating unverified messages purporting to be official government communication. It said it does not disseminate official public health announcements through WhatsApp groups or channels.

Authorities urged the public to rely on recognised Ministry of Health communication channels and mainstream media for verified health information.

The ministry’s warning follows growing concern over health misinformation circulating on social media. Similar misinformation has previously been reported in Zimbabwe, where false health messages shared through WhatsApp have complicated public health campaigns.