THE Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) has dismissed public claims of a new, mutated and more virulent COVID-19 variant in the country, saying the current surge in respiratory symptoms is linked to an Influenza-B outbreak.
ZNPHI Director General Roma Chilengi said surveillance by the institution had established that the current increase in COVID-19-like symptoms was due to Influenza-B and not a new strain of COVID-19.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Professor Chilengi said Influenza-B was detected in July following a spike in COVID-19-like symptoms, prompting the health institution to conduct further investigations.
“We have since established that in the past just over one month or so, we had a spike in what we call influenza infection. Now, influenza is an infection that spreads in an epidemic fashion and does cause pretty much COVID-like symptoms. It has caused quite a bit of increase in respiratory tract infections and that is what we are dealing with at the moment in the country,” he said.
Professor Chilengi said the surge was being fuelled by the prevailing cold season.
Professor Chilengi, who could not give a definite figure, however confirmed that the country had recorded some deaths among people who had tested positive for influenza.
He urged citizens not to panic but to adhere to recommended preventive measures to minimise further spread of the infection.
“We have to prevent influenza pretty much the way we prevent any other common colds. Avoid crowded areas. People can wear masks, especially in crowded areas, to minimise exposure. Visit the nearest medical facility upon experiencing symptoms to be treated appropriately. Keep warm because once you get an infection and your throat, your chest is cold, it tends to thrive and symptoms accelerate pretty quickly,” he added.
