An increased amount of malaria infections have been reported in the Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge and Mbombela sub-districts respectively. The cases are exceeding those of last year.

2016 was noted with severe drought which is believed to be the main contributor to the drop in infections and increased rainfall in April this year saw an increase in malaria cases. The department has scaled up interventions to make sure that the cases are detected early and treated as soon as they present in the facilities. It has already started its annual Indoor Residual Spraying programme for targeted structures in the affected areas.

Anyone showing the following signs and symptoms should immediately visit the local health facility to be tested and treated:

• Flu-like illness / Cough
• Fever
• Headache
• Cold shivers / hot sweats)
• General body pains
• Weakness (general body weakness)
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite / Poor feeding
• Diarrheoa, Nausea and Vomiting
• Flu-like illness / Cough

A person who live in or have recently visited endemic areas (areas known to have malaria) should consult a physician or local healthcare practitioner immediately if these symptoms appear, especially during this time of the year.

You can prevent malaria by:

• Wearing clothing that does not leave your skin exposed, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Avoid wearing dark colours as it is believed to attract mosquitoes.
• Use screens to cover doors and windows.
• Apply insect repellents to exposed skin.
• Use anti-mosquito sprays, insecticide dispensers or burn mosquito coils at night.

Also read:

Malaria diagnoses on the increase 

Be informed wen deciding what anti-malaria medication to use .