The ManicaPost
Ray Bande Senior Reporter
A TOTAL of 28 people had died of malaria in Manicaland out of the 22 336 cases recorded so far this year as of February 5, 2017.
This follows a sharp increase in the number of malaria cases in various parts of the province, with Mutare recording an unprecedented increase this year.
Manicaland Provincial Medical Director, Dr Matron Mafaune, confirmed that a total of 28 people had died of malaria in Manicaland as of February 5.
Dr Mafaune said 22 336 people had been diagnosed of malaria in Manicaland this year.
“Currently for 2017, we have 22 336 people who suffered from malaria and 28 deaths as at February 5, 2017. For the cases, 19 115 for those five years and above (86 percent) and under fives were 3 221, while deaths are 24 and four, respectively,” said Dr Mafaune.
Dr Mafaune said Chipinge District had more cases of malaria especially in the southern parts of the district.
“Most areas affected include Chipinge in Mabee Village and Chinyamukwakwa area because of the population movement meant to create a security buffer zone between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. They moved from sprayed homes to new homes that were built elsewhere,” she said.
According to Dr Mafaune, a Ministry of Health and Child Care team is already on the ground investigating the causes of the unprecedented increase in malaria cases in Mutare.
“Mutare City has had an unprecedented increase of malaria cases this year. Officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care are investigating why there are so many cases this year within Mutare City.
“This will help to determine if we have transmission of malaria within the City of Mutare and recommendations will be made. The border areas have recorded increased cases because of increased flow of Mozambicans being treated in our facilities.
“This year the country received above normal rainfall following a drought streak which in itself is a good concoction for an increase of malaria cases.
“In the City of Mutare, the population has not been exposed to malaria before and if there is local transmission, it is in a new area where there is no immunity to the disease,” she said.
Dr Mafaune advised members of the public to take precautionary measures in the face of the increase in cases of malaria.
“We advise members of the public to seek treatment early if anyone has symptoms of malaria that include fever (feeling hot), chills (feeling cold when it is hot) or headache.
“They should visit the nearest clinic for testing of malaria and subsequent treatment if the test for malaria is positive. Cutting of grass, getting rid of all containers that can collect water and filling all pits which can hold water is important. This will destroy potential breeding and resting places for mosquitoes.
“Close windows early at sunset to avoid mosquitoes entering the house. The mosquitoes that transmit malaria are usually night biting ones. Use of mosquito repellents which can be bought from supermarkets is something that we also encourage.
Repellents can be cream or lotion that will be smeared on exposed skin. The community can burn mosquito coils during the night in the house.
Sleeping under long lasting treated mosquito nets (LLINs) for everyone is also encouraged,” she said.
