THE Department of Health has urged communities affected by malaria and travellers to malaria endemic areas to take the necessary precautions to prevent contracting the disease, and seek treatment when they experience signs and symptoms.
The department made the call as South Africa joined the Southern African Development Community in commemorating Southern African Development Community (SADC) Malaria Day on Friday.
SADC Malaria Day is observed on 6 November every year. The day aims to create awareness about malaria and mobilise the community to participate in the malaria control programmes.
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“South Africa is one of four countries in the SADC region targeting malaria elimination (zero local malaria transmission) by 2023. The department reminds communities at risk and travellers to malaria endemic areas that:
- Malaria is a life-threatening disease but is preventable, treatable and curable.
- Malaria symptoms appear within 10-15 days after the infective mosquito bite.
- The symptoms include: fever, headache, chills and vomiting. If persons suspect that they have malaria, they should immediately consult their health care provider to be tested and treated.
- Early malaria diagnosis and treatment reduces disease severity and prevents deaths.
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“Travelers from non-endemic areas to malaria endemic areas and countries are vulnerable to the disease and need to take preventative measures. Individuals are therefore advised to take personal protection methods when visiting malaria endemic areas within and outside South Africa,” the department said.
For further information on the prevention and treatment guidelines, and to learn more about malaria, refer to the Department of Health website: www.health.gov.za.
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