GABORONE, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's healthcare system is being stretched further by a malaria outbreak recently detected in the southwestern part of the country, health authorities announced in a statement Monday.

At least 11 malaria cases have been recorded in the southwestern part of Botswana during the past three months, Nthabiseng Dikgang, the coordinator of the health management team in the southwestern part of Botswana, said.

Even though the southwestern part of Botswana has been reporting malaria cases during rainy periods, Dikgang said the area is not an endemic malaria transmission area historically.

"In Botswana, one indigenous case of malaria is considered an outbreak," said Dikgang.

Dikgang urged members of the public to take heed of malaria symptoms and seek medical care, as early as possible, to prevent severe disease and deaths.

"Malaria is curable. Severe disease and deaths can be prevented by early detection and prompt treatment. So, it is encouraged for people to seek medical attention early," said Dikgang, adding that severe malaria will save "our healthcare system from experiencing a further stretch already caused by COVID-19 pandemic."

Common symptoms of malaria include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and joint pains.

The World Health Organization recently warned African countries like Botswana that their fight against malaria should not be overlooked during the fight against COVID-19 pandemic since the mosquito-borne disease is expected to kill hundreds of thousands of people this year. Enditem

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