The Gauteng Department of Health has urged residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience Malaria-like symptoms.

Recent surveillance data highlighted a significant rise in cases, prompting health officials to underscore the necessity of early detection and prompt treatment to prevent further loss of life.

The department urges residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and fatigue, particularly if they have recently travelled to malaria-endemic areas such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.

Between January and December 2025, the province recorded 666 cases resulting in seven fatalities. However, the situation has escalated rapidly in the first quarter of 2026, with 414 confirmed cases and 11 deaths already documented.

This represents a significant increase compared with the same period in 2025, which recorded 230 cases and a single death.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While the illness is both preventable and treatable, delays in diagnosis can lead to severe complications.
Residents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, or fatigue.

In a statement released ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25, the department emphasised that preventive measures remain essential.

Members of the public are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to reduce the risk of infection.