Following an increase in malaria cases in Limpopo during the last week of December 2009 and the first two weeks of January 2010, a sharp decline of cases have been reported during the last two weeks of January.
During the last week of December 2009, 139 cases were reported. This further increased to 236 cases reported during the second week of January. During the last two weeks of January, 94 and 45 cases were reported respectively.
As previously reported, favourable weather conditions coupled with extensive movement of people during the festive season, contributed to this increase. The Department of Health and Social Development however responded to this increase and control interventions were strengthened in the affected communities. Due to these sustained efforts, the department has managed to contain the spread of malaria, avoiding the situation getting out of hand and thus preventing a full blown epidemic.
Extensive community awareness campaigns in the affected communities and the preparedness of the primary healthcare facilities to deal with the increased malaria cases, both contributed to lower malaria fatalities, with no malaria deaths reported during the past three weeks.
As the malaria season extends up to end of April, the Department of Health and Social Development will continue with its efforts to combat the spread of malaria in the malaria high risk areas. The department also advise communities to immediately consult the nearest health facility for malaria tests if they experience flu-like symptoms such as body pains, headache as well as fever.
Contact:
Selby Makgotho
Tel: 015 293 6053
Fax: 015 293 6060
Cell: 082 907 5082
E-mail: makgothoms@dhw.norprov.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Limpopo Provincial Government
1 February 2010
