Spike in malaria ‘out of season’
With an alarming increase in malaria cases, with 20 cases recorded between Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit by the MediClinic in Tzaneen in recent weeks, residents have been encouraged to take any related symptoms seriously.
Among the 20 cases, one Hoedspruit resident was admitted to the intensive care unit, according to a social media post from the Hoedspruit Farm Watch. This, however, has not been confirmed. The manager of the Malaria Institute in Tzaneen, Qavanisa Eric Mabunda said they are aware of an increase in cases.
“Even though Phalaborwa is the biggest hotspot for malaria cases, we have seen increasing numbers from the Mopani and Vhembe areas too. We know that it is not malaria season, but any symptoms should be taken seriously so that doctors can treat it before it is too late,” he said. Hoedspruit Farmwatch Management also alerted residents about the rise in cases.
Also read: Be aware of Malaria
“Due to an increase in malaria cases, we seriously considered issuing this warning! If you experience the following symptoms, fever, diarrhea, and excessive fatigue, consult a doctor immediately. Please do not use home devices or remedies as they are not always accurate. This is a rare phenomenon, seeing that this is not malaria season. The cause of more severe cases is that people are waiting too long to consult a doctor.
“We ask everyone to take precautions – spray your homes to eliminate mosquitoes! If you’re suffering from the above-mentioned symptoms, have blood tests done immediately,” they said. Residents can apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin, drape mosquito netting over beds, put screens on windows and doors, treat clothing, mosquito nets, tents, sleeping bags and other fabrics with an insect repellent called permethrin, and wear long pants and long sleeves to cover their skin.
