The Department of Health urges all travellers and communities to stay vigilant as the country is experiencing a slight increase in malaria cases, particularly in provinces where the disease is endemic, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KZN.

According to the department, outbreaks of malaria have been reported in several neighbouring countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region — specifically Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

This situation is said to raise the risk of potential cross-border transmission of this preventable disease, especially as people travel throughout the region for religious and cultural events during the Easter holidays.

“The department will remain on high alert in case of a sudden peak in local malaria transmission,” the statement read.

The disease is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected female anopheles mosquitoes.

Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting.

Citizens travelling to malaria-endemic areas are urged to take the following precautions:

• Take malaria prevention medication (prophylaxis) as advised by a healthcare provider. Doxycycline is available free of charge at all public health facilities.
• Use insect repellent containing at least 10% DEET.
• Sleep under bed nets, use fans or air-conditioning.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing, especially at night.
• Seek immediate medical attention if any symptoms appear and always mention recent travel history.

Meanwhile, the department stated that healthcare providers in both endemic and non-endemic provinces have been alerted to maintain a high index of suspicion for malaria in patients with flu-like symptoms and to report confirmed cases immediately to support malaria surveillance and response.

“They were also reminded to always inquire about travel history, particularly from high-risk regions, and conduct prompt malaria testing and repeat the tests if symptoms persist despite negative results.

“Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to saving lives and preventing further transmission of the disease,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za

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