As South Africans prepare for Easter holidays filled with travel, religious gatherings, and cultural celebrations, the Department of Health is urging all holidaymakers and community members to remain alert and take precautionary measures against malaria, especially when visiting malaria-endemic areas.

According to the department, a slight rise in malaria cases has been recorded in provinces such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, with additional outbreaks reported in neighbouring countries including Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. These outbreaks raise concerns about cross-border transmission during the busy travel period.

“We want communities to be vigilant and take every possible step to protect themselves. Malaria is preventable, and early detection can save lives,” said Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the Department of Health.

Know the Symptoms

Malaria is spread through the bite of an infected female Anopheline mosquito and often presents flu-like symptoms such as:

• Fever and chills

• Headache and muscle pain

• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite

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If you experience any of these symptoms during or after travel, seek immediate medical attention and inform your healthcare provider about your recent travel history.

Traveling to High-Risk Areas? Take These Steps:

• Take preventive medication such as Doxycycline (available free at public clinics).

• Use insect repellents containing at least 10% DEET.

• Sleep under bed nets and keep rooms cool with fans or air conditioning.

• Wear long-sleeved clothes during the evening and night.

Healthcare professionals across the country have been placed on high alert and urged to test patients presenting with flu-like symptoms, especially those returning from high-risk areas.

Protect Yourself, Protect Your Loved Ones

Whether you’re heading to the bush, a border town, or a quiet rural village this Easter, don’t take risks. Prevention, early detection, and timely treatment are key to avoiding severe illness or further spread of malaria in our communities.

For more health updates, or in case of malaria symptoms, contact your nearest clinic or hospital immediately.

Let’s make this Easter not only joyful but also safe and healthy for all.

-The VIP Team

-DoH

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