'No threat of malaria in Durban'

from Mary Papayya, Sowetan:

The department of health in KwaZulu-Natal yesterday ruled out any chance of a break-out of malaria in Durban.

The statement came after seven malaria cases from the Mt Edgecombe area were listed at a private hospital in the city last week.

The department launched a full investigation following reports of the cases and has subsequently found that six of the malaria sufferers had travelled to malaria areas in northern Zululand and Mozambique.

Spokesman Leon Mbangwa said malaria-carrying mosquitoes were found mostly in the Umkhanyakude district in the province - and in Mozambique.

"We can confirm that the six had been to the affected areas. One victim had not travelled out of Durban but we have discovered that the neighbour travels by bakkie to Mozambique on a weekly basis."

He said of the victims, six have been treated and discharged. "Only one person, suspected of suffering from cerebral malaria infection, is still in hospital.

http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=942498