LIMPOPO – The Limpopo Department of Health has stepped up malaria surveillance and control measures in parts of Sekhukhune District after seven cases were confirmed in the Marble Hall and Moghanyaka areas during October.

The cases have raised concern about possible local transmission, as initial investigations found that none of the affected patients had travelled outside Limpopo.

Although the province is malaria-endemic, Sekhukhune is not traditionally considered one of the areas associated with malaria transmission.

Patients recovering

The department said all seven patients had received treatment and were recovering.

Investigations are continuing to establish the possible source of infection and assess the risk of further transmission.

Contact tracing and spraying

Health teams have screened contacts and high-risk construction workers in the affected areas, with all testing negative.

Indoor residual spraying was also carried out at 16 residential structures.

Initial assessments of nearby water bodies found no mosquito larvae or adult mosquitoes.

However, the department stressed that these findings were preliminary and that further environmental and entomological investigations were underway.

Multidisciplinary task team deployed

A multidisciplinary scientific task team has been deployed to:

• Conduct environmental assessments
• Collect mosquito samples
• Expand indoor residual spraying in identified high-risk areas

These include mining compounds, farmworker accommodation and surrounding settlements.

Increased surveillance

The department has also increased malaria surveillance at:

• Matlala Hospital
• Philadelphia Hospital
• Marulaneng Clinic
• Nearby primary healthcare facilities

This is to help identify and treat suspected cases promptly.

Precautions for residents

Residents across Limpopo, particularly those in the affected areas, are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites.

The department recommends:

• Using mosquito repellent
• Wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers outdoors after dark
• Limiting exposure to mosquitoes during evening and night-time activities

Anyone experiencing fever, chills, headaches or body aches should seek medical attention promptly and inform healthcare workers if they live or work in an affected area.

The department warned that malaria is preventable and treatable, but delayed diagnosis can lead to severe illness and death.

It urged communities to remain calm while staying vigilant, adding that the situation was being actively investigated through surveillance, treatment and targeted mosquito-control measures.