Omusati malaria surge linked to stagnant water and spraying resistance

Staff Reporter OPEN stagnant water sources and low indoor residual spraying coverage — largely due to community resistance to malaria spraying — have been identified as the main factors driving high malaria cases in the Omusati Region. The regional health directorate is urging community members to cooperate with health interventions such as spraying, which helps eliminate mosquito breeding sites and reduce transmission. Statistics show that from January to 12 April, 7,510 cases were recorded in the Omusati Region alone, including 586 hospital admissions and 12 deaths. According to the directorate, malaria hotspots include villages around Omahenene Health Centre and Omuna Watjihozu Health Centre. Malaria is transmitted to humans through Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms can take several days or weeks to appear after a bite. Early signs include chills, fever, headache, body weakness, nausea, joint pain, and vomiting. Although malaria is curable if detected and treated early, delayed treatment can lead to severe illness, life-threatening complications, or death. World Malaria Day, commemorated annually on 25 April to raise awareness and highlight global efforts against malaria, will be marked in Omusati on Thursday, two days before the official date. The Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, is expected to address the event at Oshifo, Ruacana Constituency. Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: WHO The post Omusati malaria surge linked to stagnant water and spraying resistance appeared first on Informanté .