The Gauteng Department of Health has sounded the alarm for year-end travellers, reminding residents that visits to malaria-endemic areas carry serious risks if precautions are skipped.

As families prepare to reunite across provinces and borders, many destinations fall within high-transmission zones, where the mosquito-borne disease thrives. Malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death in affected regions.

Read more: How to protect your children against malaria

Early symptoms often mimic flu, such as sudden chills, high fever, severe headaches, nausea, and muscle aches. Without rapid treatment, the infection can progress to organ failure and coma within days.

Prevention starts before departure. Chemoprophylaxis, preventive medication, is available free at public clinics for those travelling to risk areas. Tablets must begin one to two weeks prior to entry, continue throughout the stay, and extend for a period after return.

Also read: Save a life on World Malaria Day

Additional measures include using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, and sleeping under insecticide-treated nets.

The department stresses that children, pregnant women, and the elderly face heightened vulnerability.

Travellers should consult their nearest clinic immediately for risk assessment and medication. Testing and treatment are also free for anyone showing symptoms upon return.

Stay safe on the road, plan ahead, and return healthy.

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