Understanding What Malaria is and Where it Comes From

Malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted to humans by certain types of mosquitoes. It is primarily found in tropical countries. Parasites cause the infection and do not spread directly from person to person. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with mild symptoms including fever, chills, and headache. Severe symptoms may include fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing. 

Infants, children under 5, pregnant women, travelers, and individuals with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk of severe infection. 

Transmission

Malaria mainly spreads through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Blood transfusion and contaminated needles can also transmit the disease. 

Symptoms

Early symptoms typically appear within 10–15 days (about 2 weeks) after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some malaria symptoms are not specific, so early testing is crucial. 

Severe symptoms include

  • Extreme tiredness and fatigue 
  • Impaired consciousness 
  • Multiple convulsions 
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Dark or bloody urine 
  • Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin) 
  • Abnormal bleeding 

Prevention and Treatment

Prevent mosquito bites using insecticides, sleeping nets (treated with insecticides), and protective clothing. 

1. Malaria Risk Areas: 

  • Malaria is mainly transmitted along the border areas of South Africa. Specifically, parts of the provinces of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal are endemic to malaria. 
  • Approximately 10% of the population, which amounts to around 4.9 million people (about twice the population of Mississippi), is at risk of contracting the disease. 

  2. Seasonal Transmission: 

  • Malaria transmission in South Africa follows a seasonal pattern. 
  • Cases typically rise in October, peak during January and February, and then wane towards May. 
  • Vigilance during these months is crucial for prevention and early detection. 

  3. Imported Cases: 

  • Alarmingly, 83% of malaria cases in South Africa are imported. 
  • This indicates that individuals contracted the disease outside the country’s borders. 
  • Sadly, 66 lives have been lost due to malaria during the same period. 

4. Elimination Efforts: 

  • The South African government is committed to eliminating malaria within its borders. 
  • Elimination promises both health and economic benefits, aligning with national development goals and global sustainability targets. 

Remember, malaria is preventable and curable. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential. If travelling to malaria-risk areas, take necessary precautions and seek medical advice.  

Sources:  

(1) Malaria – National Department of Health. https://www.health.gov.za/malaria/ 

(2) Malaria surges in South Africa: Travelers WARNED. https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/malaria-surges-in-south-africa-travelers-warned-08-november-2023/ 

(3) MALARIA ELIMINATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2019 – 2023MALARIA ELIMINATION …. https://www.health.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sa-strategic-plan-indd-cs5-r8.pdf 

(4) Where does malaria occur in South Africa and how can I prevent …. https://www.gov.za/faq/health/where-does-malaria-occur-south-africa-and-how-can-i-prevent-infection