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The Gauteng health department has announced that the province has recorded 1 103 malaria cases and 11 deaths over nine months this year.
This is according to Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who encouraged travellers visiting malaria-endemic areas, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, to take precautionary measures.
She said the province commemorated the SADC Malaria Day on Sunday, and this will go on until Friday by scaling up awareness and educating the public about malaria prevention, symptoms and treatment.
Nkomo-Ralehoko called on the public, especially those who recently travelled to and from malaria-endemic areas, to seek medical treatment when they experience malaria-related symptoms, which include fever, chills, headaches, and other flu-like symptoms.
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“With the festive season fast approaching, we encourage people who will travel to and from malaria-endemic areas to take prophylaxis before their visits.
According to the national department of health, in South Africa, malaria is mainly transmitted along border areas.
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“Some parts of South Africa’s nine provinces are endemic for malaria and 10% of the population (approximately 4.9 million people) is at risk of contracting the disease. Malaria transmission in South Africa is seasonal, with malaria cases starting to rise in October, peaking in January and February, and waning towards May,” read the department's advisory.
