S. African health official urges people to be vigilant against malaria
Nov 07, 2022
Johannesburg [South Africa], November 7: A health official from South Africa's Gauteng Province on Sunday called on those who have recently travelled to and from malaria endemic areas to seek medical treatment when they have symptoms.
NomantuNkomoRalehoko, a member of the executive council for health and wellness in Gauteng Province, made the remarks on Sunday while observing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Malaria Day. Nov. 6 is Malaria Day in the SADC region to create awareness about malaria prevention, symptoms, and treatment.
"It remains worrying that from January to September 2022, Gauteng as a province recorded 1,103 cases with 11 deaths," said Ralehoko, adding that most malaria cases recorded in the province are from Mozambique followed by Malawi, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.
We are working with multiple stakeholders including the tourism and transport sectors to fight this disease, she said. "When one experiences fever, chills, headache and other flu like symptoms, they should seek medical attention."
Ralehoko advised people to take some medication before malaria prone areas. "With the festive season fast approaching, we encourage people who will be travelling to and from malaria endemic areas to take prophylaxis before their visit," she said.
Source: Xinhua
