Malaria crisis in Zimbabwe. Deaths rise by 180 percent.

Zimbabwe has been seeing a sharp rise in malaria cases and deaths for weeks. In the past 17 weeks, cases have risen by 180% compared to the same period last year, while deaths have risen by 218%.

In Zimbabwe last year, 21,309 people fell ill with malaria and 45 died by the end of the first week of May, while during the same period this year, 59,647 cases and 143 deaths had been reported, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said.

The current weather in southern Africa, where the rainy season is at its peak, is said to be responsible for this situation. Heavy rainfall combined with high temperatures have created conditions conducive to mosquito breeding.

When reporting on this year's malaria victims, the Zimbabwean government did not fail to mention that due to the United States cutting aid previously provided by the American agency USAID, there was a shortage of about 600,000 mosquito nets.

Typical symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, sweating, joint pain, nausea and fatigue. It can be fatal if left untreated. (PAP)

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