malaria south africa
The Department of Health is warning travelers as the malaria season kicks in. Photo: Pixabay

Home » Malaria surges in South Africa: Travelers WARNED

Malaria surges in South Africa: Travelers WARNED

Over 7400 Malaria cases have been reported between Jan-October with 83% contracting it outside the country, warns the Department of Health.

08-11-23 17:22
malaria south africa
The Department of Health is warning travelers as the malaria season kicks in. Photo: Pixabay

As summer arrives, South Africa prepares for the yearly malaria season, characterised by higher temperatures and increased rainfall in areas prone to the disease.

This year, the nation faces a worrying surge in malaria cases, with more than 7,400 reported between January and October.

Alarmingly, a significant 83% of these cases originated outside the country’s borders, suggesting that individuals were infected abroad.

ALSO READ: South Africa’s Malaria Crisis: Over 7400 cases and 66 deaths in 2023

MALARIA IS ON THE RISE,HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARNS TRAVELERS

Disturbingly, a significant 83% of these cases are imported, indicating that individuals contracted the disease outside of South Africa’s borders.

Tragically, this surge in malaria infections has claimed the lives of 66 individuals during the same period.

The Department of Health is urging all travelers, especially those journeying to and from malaria-endemic or high-risk areas.

“We urge travelers to take appropriate precautionary measures to avert potential infections as the country enters the malaria season.”

ALSO READ: Malaria outbreak in Gauteng: 1105 cases and 10 deaths reported in 2023

To combat this disease, the department has intensified its response plan, including screening and testing at high-risk borders in provinces.

KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo are three of the high-risk provinces.

Public education campaigns and indoor residual spraying are also being conducted in high-risk areas.

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Pregnant women and children under five are cautioned against visiting malaria-endemic areas.

HOW MANY CASES WERE REPORTED IN GAUTENG?

Gauteng Department of Health is focused on educating the public, especially at public transport nodes, about prevention measures.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Health boosts malaria awareness

1105 cases have been reported, with 10 deaths from January to September 2023.

It has primarily affected those who have traveled to regions like Mozambique, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Angola.

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