The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said that despite the country entering its peak malaria season, many malaria cases were being misdiagnosed as COVID-19.
The NCID said that both malaria and COVID-19 have similar non-specific early symptoms including fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, and muscle pain.
The NICD’s Dr Jaishree Raman said that undiagnosed and untreated malaria rapidly progresses to severe illness, with a potentially fatal outcome.
“Any individual presenting with fever or flu-like illness or who resides in a malaria area like Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal or Mpumalanga or if they’ve travelled to a malaria-risk area, especially Mozambique in the last six weeks, they must be tested for malaria,” Raman said.
#MalariaAlert Any individual who has travelled to a malaria-risk area in the past six weeks and is presenting with fever or ‘flu-like illness, must inform their healthcare provider and get tested for malaria. Read more here https://t.co/0UfXgudhFv
— NICD (@nicd_sa) January 24, 2022
-EWN
In other news – Cause of death: More headache for Cassper Nyovest
Mzansi rapper Cassper Nyovest is facing the brunt of hate from South African tweeps who have reacted to tragic death of actor Patrick Shai.
The veteran star was found dead on Saturday morning after ending his life. The shocking news comes days after he challenged Cassper Nyovest to a boxing match. Following an outcry from the rapper himself, Patrick Shai apologized for offending the star and insulting his family. Learn More