Malaria incidence declining in Limpopo

19 Dec 2012

The Department of Health and Social Development is making significant strides in battling a major public health problem. Over the past three months, malaria has shown a sharp decrease in Limpopo compared to previous years, over the same period. Since 1 October 2012, 253 malaria cases were notified in Limpopo. This is down from the 504 cases reported in 2011 and 1,744 cases reported over the same period in 2010.

Limpopo is epidemic prone to malaria and seasonal increases in malaria do occur. North eastern parts of Vhembe and eastern part of Mopani are specifically prone to malaria.

Malaria is a seasonal disease, with most cases reported during the summer rainy season. More cases are also reported during December months, due to the movement of people between malaria areas outside the province and areas under control within the province.

Due to the fact that Limpopo is a known malaria prone province, the provincial Department of Health is fully prepared to deal with all malaria cases. All Primary Health Care clinics are fully equipped to deal with malaria patients at community level, with our hospitals prepared to deal with more severe malaria cases.

The department's malaria spray teams are also actively busy conducting spraying in all the affected areas, with more than 300,000 houses sprayed over the past three months. Teams are also busy visiting the affected communities to raise the levels of awareness to malaria in these communities.

It should be noted that malaria is a disease that can be treated and cured if diagnosed and treated in time and the department is committed to fighting Malaria.

Statement issued by Limpopo Health and Social Development, December 19 2012

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