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The Gauteng Department of Health has issued an urgent warning following a sharp rise in malaria infections and fatalities across the province.
According to recent surveillance data, the first quarter of 2026 saw 414 confirmed cases and 11 deaths, a staggering increase compared to the single death recorded during the same period last year.
Health officials attribute this upward trend to heightened transmission risks following the festive season, as residents return from travel to malaria-endemic regions.
Coinciding with World Malaria Day, authorities are emphasising that while the disease is preventable and treatable, delayed diagnosis is often fatal.
The current spike is being exacerbated by extreme weather patterns, including heavy rainfall and widespread flooding across Southern Africa.
Experts from the University of Pretoria’s Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UPISMC) noted that stagnant floodwaters have created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, threatening to undo years of progress in malaria elimination.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant for symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue, especially if they have recently visited Limpopo, Mpumalanga, or neighbouring countries like Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
To reduce the risk of infection, health professionals recommend avoiding outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using insect repellent.
The department continues to monitor the situation closely, strengthening public health interventions to curb the spread and prevent further loss of life.
