No malaria deaths were reported in Limpopo during the past week.

According to the spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Development, Mr Selby Makgotho, an extensive community awareness programme and the higher preparedness of the primary healthcare organizations to deal with the increased malaria cases contributed to the decline.

“Due to sustained efforts, we managed to contain the spread of malaria, preventing the situation from getting out of hand and thus preventing a full-blown epidemic,” he said.

During the last week of December 2009 and the first week of January this year, the department had recorded almost 400 cases of malaria in low-lying areas. The areas mostly affected were Mutale and Malamulele in the Vhembe District, and Giyani and Phalaborwa in the Mopani District.

According to Makgotho, favourable weather conditions, coupled with extensive movement of people during the festive season, had contributed to the increase of cases. Last month, 94 cases were reported.

Makgotho said as the malaria season extended up to the end of April, the department would continue with its efforts to combat the spread of the disease in the malaria high-risk areas.

Makgotho is now advising communities in Limpopo to immediately consult the nearest health facilities for malaria tests if they experience flu-like symptoms.