Rapid response teams deployed as flu-like illness clusters emerge

The Ministry of Health has deployed emergency response teams to seven districts amid a rise in clusters of influenza-like illnesses in schools and villages, the ministry announced this week.

“The Ministry of Health has received reports of clusters of influenza-like illness from the districts of Botha-Bothe, Berea, Maseru, Thaba-Tseka, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing during the month of May 2026,” the ministry said in an official statement. “These clusters have been identified in various settings, including schools and villages.”

In response, “District Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to the affected areas and are investigating the reported cases,” the statement continued. “The teams are also providing medical care to those who are ill and conducting health education activities to help communities understand how to prevent further spread of the illness.”

The outbreak coincides with Lesotho’s annual flu season. “The country is currently experiencing its annual influenza season, which typically occurs between April and September,” the ministry noted. “While the Ministry awaits laboratory results to better understand the current situation, the public is encouraged to continue following recommended prevention and control measures to help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses including seasonal influenza (flu).”

The ministry listed the signs and symptoms of seasonal flu as fever, cough, headache, muscles and joint pain, sore throat, and runny nose. “Most people often recover from flu within a week without requiring medical attention,” the statement said. “However, it can cause severe illness or death in certain high-risk groups including pregnant women, children less than 5 years of age, people aged 65 years and above, and people with chronic medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, Lung disease.”

According to the ministry, the virus “spreads from person to person through inhalation of infected respiratory droplets when people are sneezing, coughing or talking. A person can also be infected by touching contaminated objects or surfaces that the flu virus is on and then touching their mouth, eyes or nose.” The incubation period, the statement added, “is 1 – 4 days.”

On treatment, the ministry advised that “most people will recover without medical treatment within a week. However, the public, particularly those at risk of severe disease are advised to seek medical treatment at the nearest health facility early, where a medical professional will manage them appropriately according to the clinical presentation.”

Precautionary measures outlined by the ministry include “covering the mouth and nose during coughing/sneezing,” “regular washing of hands with soap and running water or with alcohol-based sanitiser,” “using face masks,” and that “people with signs and symptoms of flu should avoid congregate settings.”

“Although respiratory illnesses are common during this season, the Ministry of Health is investigating these clusters to determine the cause and assess whether additional public health measures are required,” the statement said. “The Ministry of Health will also continue surveillance and follow up in areas where clusters have occurred.”

The ministry also reminded citizens that “COVID-19 cases continue to occur in different parts of the country.” It added: “Implementation of the above-mentioned preventative measures will not only prevent ‘Seasonal Flu’ but will also limit the transmission of COVID-19.”

Ntsoaki Motaung

Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.

In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.