Zuko Komisa

The Limpopo Department of Health has recorded three malaria-related deaths which occurred between April 2024 and January 2025.
Following recent heavy rainfall in the province, the health department has issued a public alert about an increased risk of malaria transmission.
“In the 2024/25 year, the Department reported 557 confirmed malaria cases and 3 deaths. While this represents a decrease compared to previous years, every death is a tragedy, and the Department remains focused on reducing these numbers.
“As part of this effort, the Department has implemented a highly effective indoor residual spraying program, a critical tool in reducing mosquito populations and malaria transmission.
“This program also relies heavily on community participation, with 355 seasonal community spray workers employed in the 2024/25 financial year to spray over 1.16 million houses,” the alert from the department reads.
Department spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana, spoke to SABC News and urged citizens to permit departmental malaria control agents to spray their homes.
“Consider sleeping under mosquito nets, especially in high-risk areas. For those traveling to and from malaria-endemic areas, it is important to take prophylactic medication before your trip to minimize the risk of contracting the disease.
“If you have recently travelled to a malaria-endemic area and are feeling unwell, we urge you to visit the nearest healthcare facility,” said Shikwambana.



