Travellers urged to be wary ahead of ‘malaria season'

Travellers planning trips to and from high-risk malaria areas are being urged to take precautionary measures to prevent possible infections.

The Health Department says cases of the mosquito-borne disease are on the rise in parts of the country due to higher temperatures and increased rainfall in the malaria transition areas.

It says over 7,400 cases were recorded between January to October this year.

Spokesperson Foster Mohale says only 17% of these cases are locally acquired, while the rest are imported cases.

"At least 66 deaths had been recorded during this period, and all people who experience malaria suspected symptoms, which include headache, fever, chills, muscle and joint pains, are urged to visit their local health facility without delay for effective treatment if they test positive."

"The department is intensifying malaria response plan through malaria screening and testing around borders in high malaria provinces which includes Kwazulu natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo throughout the year for early detection of important cases."