19 Feb 2014

The number of malaria cases in the Okavango Sub-district has increased this year compared to 2013. One death has already been recorded at Sepopa this year.

Speaking in an interview, the public relations officer (PRO) for Okavango District Health Management Team (DHMT), Ms Nthabiseng Dikole said during the period January to June 2013, they registered 196 malaria cases compared to 216 this year.

She noted that the most affected areas in the district were Shakawe, Seronga, Xakao and Gumare. However, Ms Dikole noted control measures were in place to remedy the situation. She said they had admitted patients at Gumare Hospital and a malaria response team had been dispatched to visit the health facilities.

Ms Dikole noted the team would mobilise the community as well as offer support to health facilities staff. She urged the community and tourists visiting the area to use preventive and control measures such as treated mosquito nets, use of mosquito repellents and to wear long sleeved tops.

Ms Dikole also pleaded with the community to desist from using mosquito nets as fishing nets. On another note, she advised the community to visit health facilities should they notice any symptoms of malaria such as headache, fever, vomiting, body malaise and dizziness. BOPA