NATIONAL
MALARIA UPDATENATIONAL
MALARIA UPDATEThis update serves to present the current trends in the national malaria cases and deaths. It provides feedback to a range of persons involved in malaria control programmes. The figures presented are subject to modification and thus changes in previous month data may occur.
For the 2001/2002 malaria season, 6 043 malaria cases were reported whilst 10 004 malaria cases were reported for 2000/2001 malaria season. The decrease in the number of cases represents a reduction of 39%. One of the factors contributing towards this reduction is the re-introduction of spraying household structures with DDT. Despite the huge reduction in the number of cases, the case-fatality rate for the season was high, 0.8% (51/6043). This high case fatality rate is cause for concern and is being investigated.
A total of 29 cases have been reported for July and August 2002. One death was reported in July. Three districts reported malaria cases in August. These include: Malamulele (1), Mutale (1) and Thohoyandou (2).
For the 2001/2002 malaria season, 8 406 malaria cases were reported whilst the total for the 2000/2001 season was 9 747, translating to a 14% reduction in malaria cases. A case-fatality rate of 0.3% (24/8406) was reported. This rate is below the 0.5% targeted by the National Department of Health Malaria Policy (1995). The greatest burden of disease was recorded from the Shongwe and Tonga districts.
A total of 195 malaria cases with no deaths have been reported for July and August 2002. In August 7 malaria cases were detected via active surveillance and 64 via passive surveillance. Just over 70% (50/71) of the malaria cases reported for August were from the Tonga district. During August, one case of malaria was reported from Skukuza.
For the 2001/2002 season, 3 493 malaria cases were reported. These figures represent an 80% decrease from the previous season in which 17 494 cases were reported. This large decrease has been attributed to the change in malaria treatment strategy from SP to Coartemā and the re-introduction of DDT for household spraying. However, despite this decrease the case-fatality rate is high (0.68%).
A total of 208 malaria cases and no deaths have been reported for July and August 2002. For August 47 cases were detected via active surveillance and 68 were detected via passive surveillance. More than half (56%) of the cases were reported from the South district.
For the 2001/2002 malaria season, 473 cases of malaria were reported. The case-fatality rate is high, 1.2%. A high number of cases are reported from the North West Province, Gauteng and Free State. A few cases are reported monthly from the Western Cape.
A total of 2 cases have been reported from the Free State for July 2002. No further data was available for the other provinces.
Dr Lucille Blumberg reported on the 19 September 2002:
In the last 5 days, I have been informed of 3 cases of malaria in tourists visiting the Kruger Park, and 1 visiting Sabi Sands reserve. These reports are anecdotal, and may not reflect an actual increase in the number of malaria cases in the area. I have no knowledge of compliance with the recommended non drug measures to prevent malaria. However, 9 patients apparently did not take chemoprophylaxis as per our recommendations. I think we should take note of this.
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
