Malaria surges in South Africa: Travelers WARNED
Over 7400 Malaria cases have been reported between Jan-October with 83% contracting it outside the country, warns the Department of Health.
As summer arrives, South Africa prepares for the yearly malaria season, characterised by higher temperatures and increased rainfall in areas prone to the disease.
This year, the nation faces a worrying surge in malaria cases, with more than 7,400 reported between January and October.
Alarmingly, a significant 83% of these cases originated outside the country’s borders, suggesting that individuals were infected abroad.
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MALARIA IS ON THE RISE,HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARNS TRAVELERS
Disturbingly, a significant 83% of these cases are imported, indicating that individuals contracted the disease outside of South Africa’s borders.
Tragically, this surge in malaria infections has claimed the lives of 66 individuals during the same period.
The Department of Health is urging all travelers, especially those journeying to and from malaria-endemic or high-risk areas.
“We urge travelers to take appropriate precautionary measures to avert potential infections as the country enters the malaria season.”
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To combat this disease, the department has intensified its response plan, including screening and testing at high-risk borders in provinces.
KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo are three of the high-risk provinces.
Public education campaigns and indoor residual spraying are also being conducted in high-risk areas.
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Pregnant women and children under five are cautioned against visiting malaria-endemic areas.
HOW MANY CASES WERE REPORTED IN GAUTENG?
Gauteng Department of Health is focused on educating the public, especially at public transport nodes, about prevention measures.
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1105 cases have been reported, with 10 deaths from January to September 2023.
It has primarily affected those who have traveled to regions like Mozambique, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Angola.
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