Fear as incidence of malaria increase

Date: 11 February 2013 By: Ndivhuwo Musetha

The Vhembe District Municipality is concerned about the high incidence of malaria in the area.

A spokesperson for the municipality, Mr Matodzi Ralushai, said the heavy rains that had fallen since the begining of the year "will surely have a negative impact on the health of our people, especially in Mutale and the Musina local municipality."

Although no death has been reported so far, Ralushai says a higher number of malaria patients than usual has been admitted to different hospitals around the district since the rain started. "Another challenge is that some of the families are now roofless since their houses collapsed because of the floods. Some of the families are staying with their relatives, but there are those who are staying in tents we provided for them. Tents expose them to mosquitos, which makes them vulnerable and possible victims of malaria," says Ralushai.

His other concern is that most of the areas that are known to be at high risk for malaria, such as Ha-Mutele in Mutale, areas towards the Kruger National Park and Pondrift, are isolated from other areas as their bridges have been washed away. "Because of the damaged roads and bridges in those areas, it is difficult for our ambulances reach patients," he added.

"Our main worry is that the rain is still pouring, which makes it difficult to address the situation. We are promising our people that we will continue doing our best with the help from NGOs like the Red Cross and others, " said Ralushai.

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Ndivhuwo Musetha

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