The City of Harare launched a full-scale emergency response to combat a severe bed bug infestation in Mbare flats. The local authority activated its Incident Management System (IMS), appointed an incident manager, and developed an action plan to address the public health nuisance.
The council began the first of three planned fumigation cycles on April 7, targeting 5,450 rooms, with 64% completed by the latest update.
The outbreak was confined to Mbare, however, teams were sent to investigate reports from other suburbs. Council said bed bugs, although not known to transmit diseases, pose a serious nuisance and affect the well-being of residents.
Residents were urged to support the initiative by opening their homes to fumigation teams and taking preventive measures, such as exposing bedding to sunlight and avoiding untreated second-hand items.
