CommuTalk Reporter
GWERU: THREE local authorities in Midlands Province have refuted social media claims of a bedbug or tsikidzi outbreak, instead highlighting their proactive campaigns to prevent pest infestations in their communities.
Redcliff Municipality, Kwekwe City Council, and Gweru City Council have all confirmed that there are no outbreaks of bedbugs.
This comes following social media reports suggested an outbreak in Kwekwe’s Mbizo 7 and Amaveni suburb, similar to the one reported in Harare’s Mbare suburb earlier.
The authorities have taken a proactive approach to ensure resident safety, demonstrating their commitment to addressing potential health concerns.
Kwekwe Mayor Councillor Albert Zinhanga said, “Only a small part of Amaveni and Mbizo section 7 have been reported as having bedbugs and this does not amount to a bedbug outbreak in the city,” he said.
The Mayor urged residents to remain calm while the affected areas are kept under continuous fumigation by Kwekwe City’s department of health.
“Kwekwe City is safe from bedbugs and residents shouldn’t panic but totally disregard the untrue stories of bedbugs outbreak in Kwekwe,” added Mayor Zinhanga.
Officials at the neighbouring Redcliff Municipality said there are no confirmed manifestations of bedbugs in the town.
Council spokesperson Michael Magoronga said, however, they decided to implement a fumigation programme as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
The local authority, he said, is undertaking fumigation efforts targeting all potential areas where bedbugs can breed and spread, including public spaces and areas where people congregate.
He urged residents to report any suspected manifestations to the local authority or visit the nearest clinic.
City Of Gweru on the other hand said it has a fumigation process ready in case there are reported cases of bedbugs in the city.
Bedbugs are notorious pests that can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and anemia.
Signs and symptoms of bedbug infestation include itchy red skin bumps, anemia characterised by fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath, and skin irritation characterised by swelling, blisters, or rashes.
