Harare, Zimbabwe – City authorities have launched a major operation to contain a severe bedbug outbreak in Mbare, blaming the sale and storage of second-hand clothes for the resurgence of the pests.
Health officials say the infestation, which has spread rapidly across Matapi, Matererini, and Mbare Flats, has left residents with itchy bites, discomfort, and sleepless nights.
“We have noted with concern the resurgence of bedbugs in Mbare,” said Dr Prosper Chonzi, Director of Health at the Harare City Council. “Our investigations point to the storage and trading of imported second-hand clothes in some of the affected flats as one of the major drivers of this outbreak.”
The city has collected samples of the bedbugs for laboratory analysis to determine the most effective chemicals to use. Fumigation efforts are already underway in the worst-affected blocks.
However, Dr Chonzi warned that chemical intervention alone won’t solve the problem. “A co-ordinated response is required to prevent the spread of the infestation beyond Mbare,” he said, calling for a multi-sectoral approach involving residents, traders, health authorities, and government departments.
Residents are being urged to de-clutter living spaces and cooperate with authorities to tackle the outbreak. The city is working to prevent further spread and restore peace to the affected communities.