LIMPOPO – Limpopo Department of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant against malaria following recent heavy rainfall, which has created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

While reported cases have decreased over the past year, malaria remains a serious threat. Between April 2024 and January 2025, 557 malaria cases and three deaths were recorded.

The department said it continues its efforts to reduce transmission through an indoor residual spraying programme, employing 355 community spray workers to treat over 1.16m homes.

Spokesperson Neil Shikwambana has urged residents to allow spray teams access, use insect repellent, wear protective clothing at night, and sleep under mosquito nets in high-risk areas.

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NCIC), malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases.

Travellers to malaria-endemic areas should consider taking antimalarial medication such as doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil, available without a prescription.

The NCIC said limiting outdoor activity after dark, covering exposed skin, using DEET-based repellents, and ensuring windows have mosquito screens, can help to avoid contracting malaria.

Travellers returning from malaria-risk areas should seek immediate medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms within three weeks of exposure.