In an interview with the Ministry’s chief public relations officer, Christopher Nyanga, he explained that this year thus far, the ministry has already recorded 1, 268 cases across the country, which is a big jump from the previous season. He pointed out that for the whole of last season, only 284 cases of Malaria were detected across the country. “The Okavango District by far leads other districts. Just last week alone, the Okavango Dstrict recorded 194 cases out of the total 300 cases that were recorded across the country. Last season, we had a total of two deaths. So far this season we have recorded six deaths,” he said.
Furthermore, he explained that the surge in cases was attributed to recent heavy rains, which have created favourable conditions for mosquito breeding which perpetuates malaria transmission. He also pointed out that the outbreak, which began in the Okavango District, has since spread to several other districts, including Ngami, Gantsi, Chobe, Tutume, and Boteti. Additionally, he said there have been reports of malaria cases in non-endemic areas such as Gantsi, Serowe, Francistown, Gaborone and Mahalapye. Nyanga also explained that malaria is a serious, life-threatening disease transmitted by mosquitoes, and if not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can lead to severe complications including death. He further urged the public to be vigilant and recognise early signs and symptoms of malaria, which include fever, headache, chills, sweating, body pains, nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
