There is currently an increase in malaria cases in Mpumalanga.
The Bushbuckridge subdistrict is especially affected. So said the MEC for health in the province, Sasekani Manzini.
“We are seeing sporadic cases emerging in different localities. To date we have had eight malaria cases reported in the Marite locality, which is an increase from last year around this time,” said Manzini.
She said the province is in the middle of a malaria transmission season.
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“The season has manifested with a high mosquito population due to the favourable conditions of rainfall and humidity, which resulted from the floods in March and April. We encourage our communities to be on alert for any flu-like symptoms, as it’s winter. Malaria transmission in Mpumalanga occurs in the Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge and some areas of the City of Mbombela subdistricts. Let us all be alert,” cautioned Manzini.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a bite from an infected female anopheles mosquito. Symptoms appear within seven to 14 days.
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“It is a dangerous disease, but it is preventable, treatable and curable. We would like to remind our communities in an endemic malaria areas and travellers to be on the alert. Malaria presents flu-like symptoms. If you are experiencing such signs and symptoms, urgently visit the nearest health facility and get tested. Everyone is at risk of contracting it in malaria-endemic areas, and no life should be lost to it as it is treatable and curable when diagnosed in time,” Manzini said.
