Gauteng health department warns about alarming increase in malaria cases
Preventative measures, such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing, remain essential in reducing the risk of infection.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has raised concern over a sharp increase in malaria cases and related deaths across the province.
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Although it is preventable and treatable, delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe illness and death.
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According to the department, recent surveillance data indicate a worrying rise in both infections and fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, early detection and prompt treatment to prevent further loss of life.
“Between January and December 2025, 666 malaria cases and seven deaths were recorded. During the first quarter of 2026 (January to March), the department has already recorded 414 confirmed cases and 11 deaths,” the department stated.
“This represents a significant increase compared with the same period in 2025, which recorded 230 cases and one death.”
The upward trend signals a heightened risk of transmission, particularly in the early months of the year following the festive season, when many residents travel to malaria-endemic regions and may be exposed to infection.
The department has urged residents to remain vigilant and to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, chills, headache and fatigue, especially if they have recently travelled to malaria-endemic areas, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
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Preventative measures, such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing, remain essential in reducing the risk of infection.
As the global community prepares to observe World Malaria Day on April 25, the GDoH has called on residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families.
The department continues to closely monitor the situation and is strengthening public health interventions to curb the spread of malaria and reduce mortality across the province.
