MBOMBELA – A large number of malaria cases has been reported in the Ehlanzeni District since April.
The trend was also noticed, from Limpopo as well as in neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The summer malaria season started last month with few rain episodes while the winter period has seen an unusually high number of cases due to relatively warm temperatures in malaria endemic sub-district in the province.
According to the Department of Health through its surveillance system noticed a sharp increases of malaria as from August in the Ehlanzeni District more especially Bushbuckridge, Nkomazi and Mbombela sub-districts.
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MEC Gillion Mashego assured the people of the province and the country as a whole that Mpumalanga still remains the safest place to visit. “We would like to assure our people and those who are visiting the province that we have everything under control. All our health facilities are ready to deal with the outbreak.
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“We encourage everyone to ensure that they test for the disease to ensure that they remain safe,” said Mashego.
The department alerts all travellers to malaria-risk areas, including the Kruger National Park, that they should take precautions against mosquito bites, and most importantly, should seek medical help if they develop fever or a “flu-like illness” in the month after returning.
All people who present with a flu-like illness should immediately consult the local health facilities for testing and treatment.
Signs and symptoms
• Fever
• Headache
• Rigors (cold shivers/hot sweats)
• Myalgia or general body pains
• Weakness (general body weakness)
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms.
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