Be cautious of Malaria this festive season

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Pretoria – The Gauteng Department of Health has urged residents, who will be travelling to areas such as Kruger National Park, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya and Somalia this festive season, to take anti-malarial medication.

The department said it is important for residents to be cautious prior to their visit to malaria endemic areas.

The health department also urged those who will be travelling to these areas to avoid mosquito bites, while they are in these countries.

As the department marks the end of World Malaria Awareness Week, its spokesperson Prince Hamnca said in 2014 there have been 26 deaths out of 1 820 malaria cases reported in the province.

He added that investigations into the deaths illustrated that those who passed on were people who did not take precautionary measures against the disease and presented late at health facilities.

“There is a need to continue spreading awareness messages about the deceases in our communities. People need to know that Malaria is a disease that is transmitted by the bites of certain types of mosquitoes,” said Hamnca.

He said malaria symptoms include fever, headache, flu-like symptoms, body aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. People at risk include children under 5, the elderly and pregnant women.

“Mosquito bites can be avoided by staying indoors at night, wearing long-sleeve shirts and trousers or using mosquito repellents that can be applied to exposed skin area, burn mosquito repellent candles and coils, spray insecticides, and use nets around the bed,” he said.

The department also urged people to seek medical attention where signs and symptoms of malaria are suspected, especially if the person has travelled to malaria endemic areas. - SAnews.gov.za