update (24 May 2017): South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has released an update regarding the current malaria situation in Mpumalanga and Limpopo! [read more]
update (12 May 2017): South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has released an update regarding the current malaria situation in Mpumalanga and Limpopo! [read more]
According to South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the country has seen an increase in the number of malaria cases over the past few weeks. Due to a rise in ambient temperature, rainfall and humidity, the number of malaria cases in South Africa in the 2016/17 season are notably higher than in the previous 2015/16 season. South Africa's neighbouring countries are experiencing a similar trend of rising cases due to similar weather patterns. Significant malaria transmission has been reported in Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi as well as in parts of Botswana and Namibia. However, no increase in the number of cases was reported in Swaziland.
- Malaria cases in South Africa 2016/17: 9478 reported malaria cases, of which 5177 were imported cases (76 casualties)
- Malaria cases in South Africa 2015/16: 6375 reported malaria cases, of which 4752 were imported cases (58 casualties)
- Malaria cases in South Africa 2014/15: 11539 reported malaria cases, of which 6042 were imported cases (130 casualties)
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| Malaria Risk Map via http://www.nicd.ac.za/index.php/malaria-alert-03-may-2017/ |
Travellers to malaria transmissions areas in South Africa (see malaria risk map), as well as to the neighbouring countries, are advised to take precautions. Travellers must consult with their doctors for anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis. Current recommended chemo-prophylactic regimens include mefloquine, doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil. The consulting doctor will advise on the best option for each individual. It should be noted that whilst these medications are highly effective at preventing malaria, they are not 100% effective. All travellers, whether travelling to low or high risk areas, are advised to be aware of the malaria symptoms of fever, chills, sweats, headaches, nausea and vomiting, body aches, general malaise and yellow discolouration of eyes/skin, and to report to their nearest health facility or doctor if they suspect that they may have contracted malaria. [src.: via http://www.nicd.ac.za/index.php/malaria-alert-03-may-2017/]
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