Health officials in Papua New Guinea are working overtime to combat an increase in the number of malaria cases in parts of Southern Highlands province.
Reports say at least 137 people have died of the disease in the past four months.
The National newspaper reports that the worst affected is the Hulia local level government council area, near Tari.
The Provincial health advisor for the Province, Thomas Anda, says teams have been sent out to spray the areas where mosquitoes numbers are high.
And, he says there are a number of health officials on the ground to assist people who need help.
"We have a good coverage of health facilities in the area - one hospital - about five health centers - and seven aid posts."
Thomas Anda, the Provincial health advisor for the Province.
Tari hospital says of 712 patients tested for malaria in the first three months this year, 515 have tested positive.
