Zambia sees COVID-19 cases increase in cold season

Zambia has experienced a rise in COVID-19 cases following the recent cold season in the country, health authorities said on Monday.

Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo told a press briefing that about 3,070 tests were conducted between May and June, out of which 2.4 percent tested positive, an increase from the 1.5 percent positivity rate recorded in previous months.

The cases have been reported from six of the country’s 10 provinces, with Lusaka Province recording the highest number of cases, Masebo said. The country has recorded a cumulative 4,770 COVID-19 cases between January and June this year.

Zambia has also experienced an increase in respiratory and influenza-like illnesses due to the cold and dry conditions, Masebo said, adding that the ministry has activated the detection of viruses and other pathogens.