Malaria season: 4.9 million people are at risk of contracting malaria

The Department of Health estimates that 4.9 million people are in danger of contracting malaria, a deadly parasitic disease that mostly affects areas of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) advises visitors to malaria-endemic areas this summer to take the appropriate precautions.

The summer months are when malaria usually starts because of the increased temperatures and increased precipitation in the malaria transmission areas.

The Health Institute recommended that travelers consider taking antimalarial prophylaxis, particularly if they are visiting high-risk areas. Avoquone, proguanil, and doxycycline are available over-the-counter in pharmacies and public travel clinics.

Furthermore, they advise travelers to reduce their mosquito encounters by staying inside after dark, covering exposed skin, such as their feet and ankles, using insect repellents that contain at least 10% DEET, making sure window screens are closed, and using air conditioning, fans, or bed nets.

“The malaria-endemic regions are beginning to see increases in the number of malaria cases as expected, marking the start of the malaria season.”

“These precautions will substantially reduce the chance of acquiring malaria, but the risk is never completely removed. Particular care should be taken with children, as symptoms are very non-specific, such as fever, loss of appetite, and vomiting.”

“Healthcare workers, particularly those in non-endemic areas who are treating febrile patients, must remember to ask about their recent travel to malaria transmission areas,” it said.

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