A man died and two family members are being treated after cases of malaria have been confirmed in Luckhoff, the Xhariep district.
One person died and two others are treated after malaria cases have been confirmed in Luckhoff, a non-endemic area in the free state.
The three people come from the same household on a farm in the non-ending Xhariep district.
Malaria confirmed in non-endemic free state
The Ministry of Health confirmed the three Malaria cases confirmed by Laboratory.
Spokesperson for the Mondli Mvambi department said on Thursday that Mediclinic Bloemfontein, a private hospital, manages things.
“There has been no reported recent trips to malaria endemic regions among the affected family,” said Mvambi.
Free State is a non-ending province of malaria. The Department says that the general risk for the general public is currently considered low.
The health department investigates suspected Odyssean -Malaria. This refers to an infection that is accidentally supported by a mosquito from a endemic area. It can also be a rare case of local transmission.
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One death reported, two treated
Mvambi confirmed that a 53-year-old man has died, while two other members of his family have been diagnosed with malaria.
‘An adult woman [who is] 50 years old and a 23-year-old man who is clinically stable and receives treatment, “he said.
The Free State MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, transferred his condolences and reassignments to the public.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the affected family in this difficult time,” said Mahlatsi.
The MEC said that the department has activated an extensive, clinically led reaction to protect the public. It is also aimed at preventing further spread.
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“Our teams implement evidence-based measures, including setting improved surveillance, targeted vector control, rapid diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
“We work closely with national experts to ensure that all interventions meet the highest clinical and public health standards, and currently the general risk for the public remains low.”
The Department added that its provincial and district outbreak response teams are investigating the cases. They are supported by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the National Department of Health.
Research underway
The teams carry out environmental assessments and strengthen surveillance.
Mvambi said that health workers and health promotors of the community carry out risk communication, active case finding and health education. These are part of risk communication and community involvement (RCCE).
The screening has also begun in the affected region and nearby farms.
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The health department has advised care providers in the free state and adjacent areas to remain vigilant.
They must keep a high index of suspicion for malaria in every patient who occurs with an acute febial disease. This even applies in the absence of travel to endemic regions.
The Department said that clinici should manage suspected matters according to national guidelines. They must also initiate treatment without delay and report malaria within 24 hours as a reportable medical condition.
Symptoms
“Members of the public who experience fever, chills, headache, body pain, nausea or unusual fatigue must immediately seek medical care,” said Mvambi.
“Residents are encouraged to reduce mosquito bites by using suitable repulsive agents, wearing long sleeves and pants from dusk to sunrise and removing standing water around houses.”
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Chulumanco Mahamba
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