According to the Gauteng health department, the province has recorded 1,103 malaria cases and 11 deaths due to malaria from January to September this year.
As the festive season travel draws nearer, it is crucial to know how to prevent infection and to know what to do if one gets bit by an infected mosquito.– Plasmodium falciparum, ovale, vivax, malariae, and knowlesi – and leads to a debilitating illness that can ultimately cause death.risk of infection is highest during the rainy season in the endemic areas, from September to MayPeople at risk are those travelling to or residing in low altitude areas, or in the north and east of the country.
Neighbouring countries like Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Northern Namibia pose a risk too. The most vulnerable groups include pregnant women, babies and young children, the elderly, people with a weakened immune system, and people with comorbidities. Anyone who visits an endemic area is at risk of infection.According to theone can take before traveling to an endemic area. Mefloquine, atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline are recommended.
“Prophylactic medicine must be taken at least 24 hours before entering a malaria endemic area then for the duration of stay in the area and for four weeks after leaving the area,”