The Mpumalanga Department of Health in South Africa (SA) has urged residents to remain vigilant following a sharp rise in confirmed malaria cases across the province.
More than 300 cases were recorded last month, a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
Director for Communicable Diseases, Mandla Zwane, attributed the surge to recent flooding, which has created conditions favourable for mosquito breeding.
Zwane said Ehlanzeni is the most affected district, particularly the local municipalities of Nkomazi, Mbombela and Bushbuckridge. Nkomazi has recorded the highest number of cases.
He noted that in January last year, the province recorded just 69 malaria cases, compared to 314 this year. Health authorities have called on residents in affected areas to take precautionary measures and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
–ChannelAfrica–
