More malaria and dengue cases seen in NCD clinics

Several clinics in the National Capital District have reported a rise in malaria and dengue cases, with many patients coming from Central and Gulf provinces.

At the Gordon's urban clinic, sister in Charge, Nelly Lageme, said that last month, 351 patients were screened for malaria, and 45 tested positive and were treated with anti-malarial drugs.

Patients presenting with symptoms of malaria, such as headaches, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, are usually tested using rapid diagnostic testing before receiving treatment.

Sister Nelly Lageme said at Gordon's urban clinic, a small number of cases are reported from the settlements of Port Moresby, and 5 to 6 patients are treated for malaria each day.

She says that while malaria cases remain relatively low in Port Moresby, dengue cases continue to remain high.

Most dengue patients are from the settlement where it is considered a high-risk area, largely due to environmental conditions.

"Dengue is common in all settlemtnts but most cases come from Erima, 8mile and ATS settlement." Sister Lageme said.

Unclean surroundings, swampy areas, stagnant water and dense vegetation provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.