National Institute for Communicable Diseases cautions locals on Malaria
Particular care should be taken with children, as symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite and vomiting are nonspecific.
As community members plan holidays and long-distance journeys, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NCID) reminds residents of the dangers of malaria.
According to the Sandringham-based NCID, summer marks the start of the malaria season in South Africa.
South Africa’s malaria risk areas are the North Eastern Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Kwa-ZuluNatal.
Despite this, the institute stated the Sub-Saharan African region, which South Africa forms part of, accounts for 95% of the world’s malaria cases.
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This is because of higher temperatures and increased rainfall in the malaria transmission areas.
As malaria-endemic regions show an increase in cases, the institute encouraged those travelling to these areas to take necessary precautions.
“Travellers should take antimalarial prophylaxis, particularly if travelling to high-risk areas.”
Doxycycline and atovaquone-proguanil can be procured from pharmacies and public sector travel clinics without a prescription.
They advised reducing contact with mosquitoes by limiting outdoor activity after dark, covering up all bare skin, using mosquito repellents that contain at least 10% DEET, closing all mosquito screens and using bed nets or fans if available.
“These precautions will substantially reduce the chance of acquiring malaria, but the risk is never completely removed,” stated the institute.
All travellers returning from malaria transmission areas must report ‘flu-like symptoms’ such as headaches, fevers, chills, fatigue, and muscle and joint pains that may occur up to three weeks after first potential exposure to their nearest healthcare facility.
This will be necessary for a malaria test.
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Particular care should be taken with children, as symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite and vomiting are nonspecific.
The NICD said malaria can quickly progress to serious illness, often with severe consequences.
Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment are recommended.
For more information, visit the NICD website or speak to your local doctor.
