Tanzania has witnessed a surge in severe respiratory illnesses and outbreak-prone diseases including influenza and COVID-19 infections, the county’s ministry of health announced on Wednesday.
The ministry in a statement advised the public to take preventive measures seriously and urged them to cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash hands regularly with soap and running water or sanitizer, avoid crowded places, wear masks, and maintain personal and environmental hygiene.
Noting that both illnesses are transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking, and by touching contaminated surfaces, the ministry warned citizens not to take medicines particularly antibiotics without professional guidance.
Common symptoms include high fever, cough, headache, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue.
The ministry also cautioned about Dengue Fever, which has become a growing concern during the rainy season. The disease is spread by the Aedes mosquito, identifiable by its black body and white spots, and bites mainly during morning, afternoon, and evening hours.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever high fever, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, and pain behind the eyes closely resemble malaria, making proper diagnosis essential.
Residents are urged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around homes, including standing water, discarded containers, clogged gutters, and overgrown vegetation.
The Ministry emphasised that early medical consultation is critical to prevent complications and control the spread of these illnesses.
Health authorities call on all Tanzanians to remain vigilant, follow public health guidance, and report symptoms promptly to health facilities to safeguard communities nationwide.
MG/as/APA