Media statement 27 March 2024
Cllr Rina Marx
MMC for Health
With travel expected to increase due to the Easter holidays, the City of Tshwane Health Department calls on travellers to take the necessary precautions when travelling to malaria-endemic areas. Malaria season is usually between September and May due to increased temperatures and rainfall. Parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal are malaria-endemic areas. In Southern Africa, countries such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola are malaria-endemic countries.
What is malaria? According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted via the bites of a certain species of the Anopheles mosquito. The parasites first multiply in the liver and then infect red blood cells in the body. The incubation period may be seven days after exposure but is on average 10 to 21 days.
What are the symptoms? Symptoms of malaria are often the same as influenza, which include fever, chills, sweating, tiredness, body aches and headaches. Malaria is diagnosed through blood tests to determine if parasites are present in the blood.
Is malaria preventable and curable? Malaria is indeed preventable and curable. The NICD recommends that before entering a malaria-endemic area, chemoprophylaxis medication in addition to personal protective measures against mosquito bites should be considered. As of January 2024, malaria chemoprophylaxis with doxycycline is available in the public health sector for patients eight years and older intending to travel to moderate or high-risk malaria-endemic areas. Non-pharmaceutical measures include applying mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover exposed skin and placing mosquito netting over beds. If diagnosed early and with the appropriate treatment, malaria can be cured.
As the MMC for Health, I would like to encourage travellers to take the necessary precautions when travelling to a malaria-endemic area and seek medical attention when experiencing any of the symptoms. I would also like to wish all communities a blessed and safe Easter holiday.
Media enquiries: Natashia Chhiba (natashiach@tshwane.gov.za)