Increase in cases of malaria
There has recently been an increase in malaria cases in Southern African, including in Limpopo.
Professor Lucille Blumberg from the Institute of Communicable Diseases says confirmed cases of malaria have been reported in Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, as well as parts of Botswana and Namibia.
"The increase in reported cases can be attributed to people travelling to malaria risk areas during the Easter holidays.
"There has been some increase in the number of reported cases from the northern parts of the Kruger National Park and northern parts of the Limpopo Province, including Mopani District."
Blumberg says the recent high rainfall, humidity and temperatures have been favorable for the breeding of mosquitos.
"Those who have travelled to malaria-risk areas around Easter and develop flu-like symptoms, should be vigilant.
"Malaria should be on top of their lists and they need to seek urgent care. They need an urgent diagnosis and blood test and it needs to be repeated if negative. If they test positive then they must start treatment immediately," Blumberg says.
The risk of malaria is expected to decrease as the weather cools.