Malaria Concerns In Limpopo: A Call For Action

Holifil

03 Apr, 2025

The Limpopo Department of Health has announced three malaria-related fatalities between April and January 2025.
The department also reported over 500 malaria cases during the same timeframe.
Residents have been given practical advice on preventing mosquito bites that could lead to malaria.

Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned Briefly News journalist specializing in current affairs, has extensively covered international and local issues such as health, corruption, education, unemployment, labor disputes, service delivery protests, and immigration in South Africa during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

The Limpopo government reported five malaria-related deaths. Images: Joao Paulo Burini and Robin Gentry. Source: Getty Images

LIMPOPO — The Limpopo Health Department is urging residents to cooperate with malaria control teams by allowing them to spray homes as part of their efforts to curb the spread of the disease. This comes after the province recorded over 500 malaria cases, highlighting the growing concern about the disease in the region.

Understanding Malaria in Limpopo

As reported by SABC News, five individuals lost their lives to malaria between April 2024 and January 2025, with more than 500 people contracting the disease during this period. Neil Shikwambana, the department's spokesperson, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in allowing malaria control personnel to spray homes. He explained that this measure is a critical step in preventing further outbreaks and protecting public health.

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Steps Residents Can Take

Shikwambana advised residents to adopt preventive measures to minimize the risk of contracting malaria. He recommended the regular use of insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, particularly during nighttime, and sleeping under mosquito nets, especially in high-risk areas. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of prophylactic medication for those traveling to or from malaria-endemic regions. By taking these proactive steps, residents can significantly reduce their chances of falling ill.

Public Reaction on Social Media

The rising mosquito population has sparked concern among South Africans, as evidenced by discussions on social media platforms like Facebook. Many users are expressing their frustration and worry about the situation.

Phatela P. Mothapo commented:

"This year, mosquitoes seem to be everywhere. I believe the consistent rainfall and heatwave are to blame."

Sadi Wa Ga Leso added:

"These mosquitoes hide in pit toilets and come out at night to bite us. It's becoming a real problem."

Heather Vhutshilo Mufmadi shared her experience:

"Because of the mosquitoes, we can't get a good night's sleep. It's truly affecting our quality of life."

Caution Against Misinformation

In a related development, Briefly News reported that the South African Medical Association (SAMA) issued a warning against the spread of misinformation regarding a new strain of COVID-19 in May 2024. This warning came after the identification of the Omicron XBB variant. SAMA reassured the public that this strain was less severe and less transmissible than previous variants. They urged citizens to rely on verified information and avoid contributing to the spread of untruths. Many South Africans echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of accurate information in public health matters.