Tshwane residents warned against 'taxi malaria'

The City of Tshwane has warned residents to take precautions against malaria in light of heavy rainfall in Southern Africa. 

According to the city's Sipho Stuurman, this has led to an increased occurrence of mosquitoes in malaria-endemic areas. 

"Many people living in Tshane visit malaria-endemic areas and neighboring countries on a regular basis," says Stuurman. 

"Malaria can then be imported back to Tshwane and this is referred to as taxi malaria," he says. 

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Stuurman says mosquitos either travel in vehicles to the capital, or mosquitos become infected by feeding on individuals who already have malaria. 

Malaria is one of the major causes of death in Africa. 

"South Africa, particularly Gauteng, is not regarded as a malaria-endemic area," says the city in a statement.