Pretoria – While South Africa and countries in the Southern Africa region remain Ebola free, malaria remains an important risk, says the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
According to the institute, South Africa has recorded a rise in malaria-related deaths with the usual seasonal increase in malaria noted since October.
“Of concern is the rise in the number of cases infected within South Africa over the past two years and the increase in malaria-related deaths, largely because of missed diagnosis and delayed treatment.”
During the 2013/14 reporting period, 9 245 cases were reported, which saw 96 deaths.
In the 2012/13 peak season, there were 7 619 cases and 78 deaths, while in 2011/12 there were 7 187 cases and 63 deaths.
The institution warned travellers to take precaution during the holiday, especially when travelling to malaria areas within the three provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Another country in the region identified was Mozambique, where use of preventive medication is strongly advised.
“Travellers returning from high-risk areas must maintain a high awareness for malaria if they develop a fever or flu-like illness, and this should prompt urgent testing and treatment if necessary,” said the NICD
Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and this happens in areas where malaria is typically reported.
Symptoms include fever, headache, flu-like symptoms, body aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. People at risk include children under five, the elderly and pregnant women.
Malaria risk can be reduced by using mosquito repellents in the evenings. – SAnews.gov.za
