Health Dept urges travelers to be cautious amid slight malaria spike

The Department of Health has announced a slight increase in malaria cases, particularly in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.

The has been outbreaks of the disease in neighboring countries, including Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Department spokesperson Foster Mohale has urged all travelers and communities to remain vigilant as they travel to various destinations ahead of the Easter weekend.

“The Department will remain on high alert in case of sudden peak in malaria local transmission. The disease is primarily transmitted through a bite of an infected female mosquito called Anopheline. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea and loss of appetite or vomiting. Therefore, anyone who experiences any of the symptoms should present at the nearest healthcare facility.”