S. African health authorities issue malaria alert

CAPE TOWN, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- There is an increased risk of developing malaria in parts of South Africa following a very busy 2017 malaria season in the entire Southern African region, health authorities warned on Thursday.

An increased number of severe malaria cases have been reported in South Africa's provinces of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said.

The Kruger National Park (KNP), one of Africa's biggest game reserves located in northeastern South Africa, is also affected by the disease, according to the NICD.

The institute did not give a specific number of malaria cases.

This was the second malaria alert issued in South Africa since October 31.

The seasonal risk of malaria has been extended due to weather conditions, according to the NICD.

The institute attributed the increased risk to climate change and heavier rainfall in the region that have resulted in more mosquito breeding.

The NCID urged all travellers and residents to look out for symptoms as early diagnosis can prevent death from the disease.

Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, sweating, body pains, headache and extreme tiredness, which appear within 10-15 days after the infective mosquito bite.

"It is important for travellers visiting any of the malaria areas within Southern Africa and elsewhere to take appropriate precautions and maintain a high index of suspicion for symptoms of malaria on their return," the institute said.

South Africa has pledged to eliminate the disease by 2018. Malaria in the country is seasonal, with transmission occurring between September and May in geographical areas of Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. Enditem