Malaria warning issued after Free State man dies

The Free State Department of Health has urged residents experiencing malaria symptoms to seek medical attention following confirmed cases in the Xhariep District.

Bloemfontein Courant reports that the department confirmed three laboratory-verified malaria cases from a single household on a farm in the Luckhoff area of Letsemeng Local Municipality, a non-endemic malaria region. A 53-year-old man has died, while two of his family members have been diagnosed and are receiving treatment.

According to the department, community health workers and health promoters are carrying out health education, active case finding and risk communication as part of risk communication and community engagement efforts. Screening has also begun in the affected area and nearby farms. The provincial and district outbreak response teams, supported by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the National Department of Health, are conducting case investigations, environmental assessments and enhanced surveillance.

Free State MEC for health Monyatso Mahlatsi has conveyed his condolences to the affected family. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time. The department has activated a comprehensive, clinically guided response to protect the public and prevent any further spread. Our teams are implementing evidence-based measures, including instituting enhanced surveillance, targeted vector control, prompt diagnosis and treatment,” he said.

The department, in collaboration with national experts, is working to ensure interventions meet clinical and public health standards. “The Free State remains a non-endemic malaria province, and the overall risk to the general public is currently assessed as low.”

Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, body aches, nausea or unusual fatigue. Residents are encouraged to reduce mosquito bites by using appropriate repellents, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and removing standing water around homes.

“Healthcare providers across the Free State and neighbouring areas are advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for malaria in any patient presenting with acute febrile illness, even in the absence of travel to endemic regions. Clinicians should manage suspected cases according to national guidelines, initiate treatment without delay, and notify malaria as a notifiable medical condition within 24 hours.”

For clinical advice, residents can contact the NICD clinician hotline on 0800 212 552.

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