Limpopo Department of Health sends a team of healthcare professionals to administer Bilharzia treatment to 142 learners at Malwandla Primary School
The Limpopo Department of Health is starting today (28 August 2024) dispatching a team of healthcare professionals to treat the 142 learners of Malwandla Primary School who tested positive for Birlhazia. Last week, the department sent a mobile clinic team to conduct tests after parents and teachers suspected that learners at the school might be having the condition. The dispatched team will provide immediate medical care and treatment to the affected learners. All learners who test positive will receive appropriate anti-schistosomal medication to treat the infection.
In addition, given that bilharzia is often transmitted through contact with contaminated water, the department is working closely with water service authority in the area to assess and improve water quality in the affected areas. Measures will be put in place to ensure that all water sources used by the school and the surrounding community are safe and free from contamination.
Parents, guardians, and community members are urged to support these interventions by ensuring that children avoid swimming or playing in potentially contaminated water and by ensuring that they take children who are suspected of contracting the disease to the nearest health facility.
