The Department of Health is urging travellers and communities to be alert regarding malaria, as the country reports a slight increase in cases.
This increase is particularly pronounced in malaria-endemic provinces, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, raising concerns ahead of the busy Easter holiday period.
Malaria outbreaks have also been identified in several neighbouring countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. The cross-border transmission risk increases, particularly during holiday travel.
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Transmission and symptoms
Malaria is primarily spread through the bite of infected female Anopheline mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Awareness of these symptoms is crucial for early detection.
Precautions for travellers
Those travelling to malaria-endemic areas should take the following precautions:
Take malaria prevention medication (prophylaxis) as advised by a healthcare provider. Doxycycline is available at public health facilities.
Use insect repellent containing at least 10% DEET.
Sleep under bed-nets and use fans or air-conditioning where possible.
Wear long-sleeved clothing, especially at night.
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop, ensuring to mention any recent travels.
Healthcare provider guidelines
Healthcare professionals in both endemic and non-endemic provinces have been alerted to be vigilant. They are advised to maintain a high suspicion for malaria in patients presenting flu-like symptoms and report confirmed cases promptly to aid in surveillance and response efforts.
Importance of early diagnosis
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. They play a key role in saving lives and preventing the further spread of malaria. Continuous assessment and testing should be conducted, especially if the symptoms persist.
IOL