Malaria risk heightened after recent rains in Limpopo
The Limpopo Department of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant about the potential risks of malaria following the significant rains the province received in recent weeks. The rains create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which increases the risk of malaria transmission.
Malaria remains a deadly disease caused by the plasmodium parasite and transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
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Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches, with early symptoms usually appearing between 10 and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In the 2024/25 year, Limpopo reported 557 confirmed malaria cases and 3 deaths.
DEPARTMENT WARNS THE RESIDENTS OF LIMPOPO ABOUT THE RISKS OF MALARIA
“While this represents a decrease compared to previous years, every death is a tragedy, and the Department remains focused on reducing these numbers,” said Department Spokesperson Neil Shikwambana.
“As part of this effort, the Department has implemented a highly effective indoor residual spraying program, a critical tool in reducing mosquito populations and malaria transmission. This program also relies heavily on community participation, with 355 seasonal community spray workers employed in the 2024/25 financial year to spray over 1.16 million houses.
“To further strengthen malaria prevention efforts, the Department plans to increase the number of spray workers to 400 in the 2025/26 financial year. This expansion will help ensure broader coverage, particularly in areas most vulnerable to malaria outbreaks, ahead of the peak period during the festive season.”
Residents have been urged to;
- Allow malaria control personnel to spray their homes.
- Use insect repellent regularly, especially in the evenings.
- Wear clothing that covers the skin, particularly at night.
- Consider sleeping under mosquito nets, especially in high-risk areas.
“For those travelling to and from malaria-endemic areas, it is important to take prophylactic medication before your trip to minimize the risk of contracting the disease.”