Malaria cases in Waterberg District

The Department of Health is spraying poison and treating houses near the Palala River in the Waterberg District to combat mosquitoes after 43 cases of malaria have thus far been reported in the Lephalale, Thabazimbi, Bela-Bela and Tom Burke areas.
According to unconfirmed reports Limpopo reported 909 cases of malaria in January, 609 in February and 210 this month.
“Scientists are also checking the river for waterborne diseases along with larvae and mosquitoes,” Spokesperson of the Department of Health, Thabiso Teffo said earlier today (Friday). Thirty per cent of the reported cases comprise farm dwellers and foreigners working on farms, it was learnt. No fatalities have so far been reported in Limpopo.
Heavy rains and hot and a humid climate are ideal for mosquitoes to breed. According to Teffo mosquitoes can be transported in vehicles or luggage of people coming from areas where malaria is rife. He warned people in the areas where malaria has occurred or people who have visited malaria areas when feeling ill to be tested for malaria.

Story: NELIE ERASMUS
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