8 malaria cases in Gauteng
2006-01-04 19:43
Johannesburg - At least eight people in Gauteng contracted malaria after visiting various parts of South Africa and Mozambique, the Health Department said on Wednesday.
Spokesperson Bhungani ka Mzolo said those infected had all visited malaria endemic areas, including Mozambique and Limpopo Province, Venda, the Kruger National Park and Mpumalanga.
"The patients are all males, with the exception of one. Seven of the patients were admitted at private hospitals and clinics in and around Pretoria, and the last one at a provincial hospital," ka Mzolo said.
The patients included two children aged five and six.
Patients recovering well
The six-year-old was much better and was expected to be discharged on Wednesday, ka Mozolo said.
The five-year-old was still sick but not critical.
Four of the patients are recovering well at a private hospital and two others are recovering at home, on oral treatment.
"Although none of those malaria cases were infected in Gauteng province, the health department would however like to send an alert to all public and private health institutions," ka Mzolo said.
"These facilities should be able to accommodate those patients who may return from holidays and some may prefer management and treatment in Gauteng. Proper diagnoses and treatment will ensure that the patient gets better sooner.
"Where a hospital finds that it has a patient with malaria, it must notify the Provincial Health Department, either in writing or telephonically," he said.
- SAPA