Nine malaria deaths in Gauteng in 2010
2010-12-07 18:34
Johannesburg - Nine people died of malaria out of 450 cases reported in Gauteng between January and November 2010, the provincial department of health said on Tuesday.
"These deaths were people who had travelled to malaria-endemic areas," said departmental spokesperson Simon Zwane.
He said Gauteng residents were urged to take anti-malaria medication before visiting malaria-endemic areas.
"Those who will be travelling to these areas such as Kruger National Park, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya and Somalia are urged to avoid mosquito bites by staying indoors at night, wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers or using mosquito repellents that can be applied to (the) exposed skin area, burn mosquito repellent candles and coils, spray insecticides, and use nets around the bed."
Malaria is transmitted through the bites of certain types of mosquitoes. Flu-like symptoms, body aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are all symptoms of the disease.
"The department would like to reiterate that Gauteng is not a malaria-endemic area but because of the travelling during this time, people are urged to seek medical attention where signs and symptoms of malaria are suspected," Zwane said.
- SAPA