By A Correspondent

A recent surge in respiratory illnesses among young children has prompted health officials in Bulawayo to sound the alarm. Authorities at Mpilo Central Hospital report a notable increase in toddlers seeking treatment for flu-like symptoms.

According to Clinical Director Solwayo Ngwenya, “While we haven’t identified a specific flu strain, there’s a clear uptick in respiratory cases among young children. This could be a seasonal trend, but we urge parents to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if their child exhibits severe symptoms such as high fever, sneezing, and coughing.”

Ngwenya emphasized the importance of keeping severely ill children at home to prevent the spread of infection, particularly in school settings.

Local pharmacies have also reported a significant spike in demand for children’s flu medication over the past three weeks. A health expert noted, “The rapid increase in parents seeking medication for their toddlers suggests the flu bug is spreading quickly. Unfortunately, we’ve temporarily sold out of children’s flu medication, but we’re working to restock as soon as possible.”