THE Limpopo department of health and social development said yesterday it had experienced a decline in the number of malaria cases in the province.

During the last week of December last year and the first week of last month, the department had recorded almost 400 cases of malaria in low-lying areas.

The areas mostly affected were Mutale and Malamulele in the Vhembe district, and Giyani and Phalaborwa in the Mopani district.

Departmental spokesperson Selby Makgotho said during the last two weeks of January, 94 cases were reported in Vhembe and 45 in Mopani.

He said heavy rains, coupled with the extensive movement of people during the festive season, had contributed to the increase in the cases.

"But we responded to the increase and control interventions were strengthened in the affected communities," Makgotho said.

He said due to these sustained efforts, the spread of malaria was contained, thereby avoiding a full-blown epidemic.