The Ministry of Health of the United Republic of Tanzania has issued a public notice alerting citizens about rising cases of severe influenza and COVID-19, increased risk of dengue fever during the rainy season, and the continued threat of cholera despite recent progress in controlling the outbreak.
In a statement issued by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Grace E. Magembe, the Ministry emphasized the importance of preventive measures and early health-seeking behavior to reduce the spread of epidemic-prone diseases.
Seasonal increase in influenza and COVID-19 cases
The Ministry reported a recent rise in severe influenza and COVID-19 cases, which are transmitted through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or talk, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include high fever, cough, headache, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue.
Surveillance data indicate that Tanzania, like many countries globally, experiences seasonal peaks in respiratory infections between November and April.
Citizens are advised to:
Cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Wash hands regularly with soap or use hand sanitizers
Avoid unnecessary crowds
Wear masks when symptomatic, near symptomatic individuals, or in crowded settings
Maintain personal and environmental hygiene
Seek early medical care and avoid self-medication, especially misuse of antibiotics
WHO resources:
COVID-19 guidance: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Influenza guidance: https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme
Dengue fever risk During the rainy season
The Ministry also warned about dengue fever, noting that the ongoing rainy season increases mosquito breeding sites. Dengue is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are active during the day and early evening. Symptoms include high fever, headache, joint pain, pain behind the eyes, and fatigue—often similar to malaria.
The public is urged to:
Eliminate stagnant water and mosquito breeding sites
Wear long-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellents
Install window screens and use other protective measures
Seek early medical treatment if symptoms occur
WHO resource:
- Dengue fact sheet and guidance: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue
Continued vigilance against Cholera
The Ministry reported that Tanzania has not recorded cholera cases for approximately one month following a nationwide outbreak that affected all regions except Kilimanjaro and Njombe. Authorities acknowledged the contributions of government sectors, religious institutions, community leaders, journalists, private sector actors, international partners coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), and health professionals in controlling the outbreak. However, ongoing rains and cholera infections in neighboring countries mean Tanzania remains at risk.
Citizens are urged to continue preventive measures, including:
Boiling or treating drinking water with approved tablets (e.g., Aquatabs, WaterGuard)
Regular handwashing with soap
Washing fruits and avoiding unsafe or unhygienically prepared food
Using improved toilets and keeping them clean
Protecting water sources from contamination
Maintaining a clean environment and proper waste disposal
WHO resource:
- Cholera guidance and fact sheet: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cholera
Government preparedness and public cooperation
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed that the Government is prepared to monitor and respond to epidemic-prone diseases and will provide regular updates if infection trends change or additional measures are required.
The Ministry called on all citizens to remain vigilant, adhere to public health guidance, and seek timely medical care to protect themselves and their communities.
Read more: Tanzania Ministry of Health Press Release