South Africa: Surge in malaria cases in Mpumalanga province

Event

South African health officials have reported a surge in malaria cases in Mpumalanga province. Some 1330 cases have been reported in the province, with about half of those coming from the Bushbuckridge area, resulting in 14 deaths. The increase in cases has prompted health officials to carry out a fumigation campaign throughout the province. Earlier in the week, officials issued a malaria advisory for those visiting Kruger National Park.

The increase in malaria in the country has been attributed to a rise in temperatures, rainfall, and humidity associated with a particularly rainy monsoon season.

Context

Over the past several weeks, South Africa has experienced an increase in the numbers of reported malaria cases. Additionally, Gauteng province officially declared a measles outbreak earlier in May after 17 case were confirmed (13 in Johannesburg).

Cases of malaria have also been rising in neighboring countries due to similar weather patterns as those in South Africa. Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches. Early symptoms usually appear between ten and 15 days after the contaminating mosquito bite. There is no vaccine but preventive medications are available. Pregnant women, HIV-positive persons, children under the age of five, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the disease.

Advice

To minimize the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, use insect repellent, wear covering clothing, and consider sleeping under mosquito netting if in high-risk areas. If you develop a high fever during or after travel in areas affected by malaria, seek immediate medical attention.