Malaria claims four lives in Limpopo

Four people have died from malaria in Limpopo since the beginning of this month and 800 people had to receive medical treatment. This comes after the province experienced a very high rainfall during the past season, creating breeding ponds for mosquitoes.

Most of the cases occurred in the north of the province and at one stage the hospital at Giyani had to treat 72 malaria patients. However it was already too late for four people. People from the area who are experiencing flu-like symptoms have been asked to see a doctor immediately.

The Khensani Hospital in Giyani did not have enough medication and more stocks had to be sent there. The crisis seems to be under control now and earlier today there were only 24 malaria patients left in the hospital.

Health spokesperson, Phuti Seloba says: "We believe we are winning the battle. Most of the cases are just cases that started two, or a week before the Easter vacations. We started experiencing some rainfall in the province and as a result, it increased the number of cases that we had."

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that there could be an increase in malaria cases because of the high rainfall that occurred over southern Africa this season.