The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) released an advisory on Malaria risk in South Africa 2017.
According to an infographic released by the NICD, there is an extended seasonal risk in South Africa in 2017, when compared to other years, where the seasonal risk normally runs from September to May.
The likely cause of this has been attributed to climate change and higher than normal seasonal rainfall leading to mosquito’s breeding in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern KZN and other high risk areas the NICD claims.
While there has been an increase in reported Malaria cases in 2017, the NICD says that early diagnosis and treatment remains vital to prevent death.
The update also contains information for safari tour operator staff undertaking extended safaris where medical care is limited.
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