SA enters malaria season, travellers urged to be cautious

With the summer season upon us, a warning has been issued to travellers to take precautionary measures owing to an increase in malaria cases.

This comes as more than 7 400 cases have been recorded between January and October in the country.

According to the Department of Health, only 17% of these cases were locally acquired, while the rest are imported cases, meaning more people became infected while out of the country.

“Summer marks the start of the malaria period in South Africa owing to higher temperatures and increased rainfall in the transmission areas,” said health department spokesperson Foster Mohale.

KZN has been cited among high-risk malaria provinces in the country – with screening and testing around borders in these provinces set to be intensified.

“At least 66 deaths have been recorded during this period (Jan – Oct 2023), and all people who experience suspected malaria symptoms, which include headache, fever, chills, muscle and joint pain, are urged to visit their local health facility without delay for effective treatment if they test positive.

“Late presentation to a health facility with symptoms is one of the contributing factors to increasing malaria morbidity and mortality rates.

“Malaria is a life-threatening, yet preventable and curable disease. Early detection saves lives,” said Mohale.

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