March/April 2003

Welcome to the 11th National Malaria Update.

This update serves to present the current trends in the national malaria cases and deaths for South Africa. The update reports on data mainly from the malaria affected provinces in South Africa. It provides feedback to a range of persons involved in malaria control programmes. The figures presented are subject to modification as provinces conduct follow-ups and verify the data.

Annual malaria notifications

The annual notified malaria cases for South Africa for past 5 years, 1999-2003, are presented below. In 2000, South Africa experienced a malaria epidemic with 64 622 malaria cases having been reported. Following the epidemic from 2001, the number of reported malaria cases has steadily decreased. The 2003 total malaria notified cases for both March and April demonstrate a decrease of 65% and 73% respectively when compared to March and April 2002.

Seasonal malaria notifications

Malaria transmission in South Africa is seasonal and is therefore best presented graphically using seasonal data. The provincial seasonal data (July - June) is outlined below.

Limpopo

For March 2003, 264 malaria cases and 2 malaria deaths were reported. During April 2003, a total of 256 malaria cases were reported. This represents a decrease of 73% in comparison to the same period in 2002. No malaria deaths were notified for April 2003.

Mpumalanga

For March 2003, 298 malaria cases and one malaria death were reported. During April 2003, 204 malaria cases and 0 malaria deaths were reported. This representing a decrease of reported malaria cases by 83% in comparison to the same period 2002. Active surveillance detected 33 positive malaria cases. More than half (65%) of the notified cases for the month were from the Tonga health district.

KwaZulu-Natal

For March 2003, 94 malaria cases and one malaria death were reported. During April 2003, a total of 95 malaria cases and zero malaria deaths were notified. This represents a decrease of 62% in the reported malaria cases for the same period 2002.

Compiled by the National Malaria Control Programme, National Department of Health, with the assistance of the Provincial Malaria Control Programme Managers. Please contact Ms Johnson for any enquiries at tel no: (012) 312-0046 or e-mail: johnsc@health.gov.za