Angola: Decline in malaria cases in Saurimo region (east)

Event

On Tuesday, November 14, health officials stated that at least 43,604 cases of malaria have been recorded in the last ten months in the Saurimo municipality of Lunda Sul province. This represents a significant decline from 55,243 recorded cases during the same period in 2016. Health officials attribute the decline to information campaigns increasing awareness on how to prevent the spread of the disease. Officials did not disclose any details regarding the number of fatalities linked to malaria thus far this year.

Context

Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches. Early symptoms usually appear between ten and 15 days after the contaminating mosquito bite. There is no vaccine but preventive medications are available. Pregnant women, HIV-positive persons, children under the age of five, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

Advice

To minimize the risk of contracting malaria or the many other mosquito-borne diseases present in Angola, use insect repellent, wear covering clothing, and sleep under mosquito netting or in an air-conditioned room. If you develop a high fever during or after travel in areas affected by malaria, seek immediate medical attention.