Rising COVID-19 Cases in Dar: What You Need to Know

The Ministry of Health in Tanzania has urged all citizens to adhere to health guidelines to protect themselves and others from respiratory infections.

This includes covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, wearing masks when necessary, washing hands with running water and soap or using sanitizers frequently, and maintaining personal and environmental hygiene. 

In a statement released today, May 20, 2025, by the Chief Government Medical Officer Dr. Grace Magembe, concerns were raised following an increase in rumors related to ‘respiratory diseases’ in the community, particularly in Dar es Salaam, from January to April 2025. 

Dr. Magembe added that -laboratory tests have shown fluctuations in influenza virus levels, a pattern observed in previous years, commonly known as ‘Seasonal influenza.’

 Also , these tests indicated that there is no new virus capable of spreading rapidly and causing a pandemic outbreak. 

Regarding COVID-19, first reported in the country in March 2020, it continues to exist at low levels similar to other respiratory diseases. 

From February to April 2025, monitoring of these viruses revealed an increase in COVID-19 cases from 1.4% (2 patients out of 139 tested) in February to 16.3% (31 patients out of 190 tested) in March, and then to 16.8% (31 patients out of 185 tested) in April 2025.

 The pattern of increase and decrease in this disease has been observed annually since its declaration in 2020, with this year’s rise being more pronounced in Dar es Salaam.

Crédito: Link de origem