Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development would like to urge citizens of the province to take anti-malarial medication before they visit malaria endemic areas.
In addition to taking medication, those who will be travelling to these areas such as Kruger National Park, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya and Somalia are urged to avoid mosquito by bites staying indoors at night, wearing long-sleeve shirts and trousers or using mosquito repellents that can be applied to exposed skin area, burn mosquito repellant candles and coils, spray insecticides, and use nets around the bed.
Between January and November 2010, there have been nine deaths out of 450 malaria cases reported in the province. These deaths were people who had travelled to malaria endemic areas.
Malaria is a disease that is transmitted by the bites of certain types of mosquitoes. The symptoms include fever, headache, flu-like symptoms, body aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People at risk include immuno-compromised people, children under five, the elderly and pregnant women.
The department would like to reiterate that Gauteng is not a Malaria endemic area but because of the travelling during this time, people are urged to seek medical attention where signs and symptoms of malaria are suspected especially if the person has travelled to Malaria endemic areas.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
