Staff Reporter
Gauteng recorded 414 confirmed malaria cases and 11 deaths in the first three months of 2026, the provincial health department said on Sunday, warning of “alarming” increases in infections and fatalities across the province.
The Gauteng Department of Health said the January-to-March figures were much higher than the same period in 2025, when 230 cases and one death were recorded. For the full 2025 calendar year, the province recorded 666 malaria cases and seven deaths.
ALSO READ: WATCH LIVE: National Education Summit 2026
It said that while the disease is preventable and treatable, “delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe illness and death”.
“Recent surveillance data indicate a worrying rise in both malaria infections and fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, early detection and prompt treatment to prevent loss of life.”
The department said the increase could partly be attributed to post-holiday travel.
“This upward trend signals heightened transmission risk, particularly in the early months of the year after the festive season, when many residents travel to malaria-endemic regions, increasing their exposure and risk of infection upon their return.”
The department said residents must seek urgent medical care if they develop symptoms including fever, chills, headache and fatigue, especially if they have recently travelled to malaria-endemic areas such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
It also called for preventive measures including the use of insect repellent and protective clothing, saying these remain essential to reduce the risk of infection.
It said it would continue monitoring the situation closely and was strengthening public health interventions to control the spread and reduce mortality.
Staff Reporter
Gauteng recorded 414 confirmed malaria cases and 11 deaths in the first three months of 2026, the provincial health department said on Sunday, warning of “alarming” increases in infections and fatalities across the province.
The Gauteng Department of Health said the January-to-March figures were much higher than the same period in 2025, when 230 cases and one death were recorded. For the full 2025 calendar year, the province recorded 666 malaria cases and seven deaths.
ALSO READ: WATCH LIVE: National Education Summit 2026
It said that while the disease is preventable and treatable, “delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe illness and death”.
“Recent surveillance data indicate a worrying rise in both malaria infections and fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, early detection and prompt treatment to prevent loss of life.”
The department said the increase could partly be attributed to post-holiday travel.
“This upward trend signals heightened transmission risk, particularly in the early months of the year after the festive season, when many residents travel to malaria-endemic regions, increasing their exposure and risk of infection upon their return.”
The department said residents must seek urgent medical care if they develop symptoms including fever, chills, headache and fatigue, especially if they have recently travelled to malaria-endemic areas such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
It also called for preventive measures including the use of insect repellent and protective clothing, saying these remain essential to reduce the risk of infection.
It said it would continue monitoring the situation closely and was strengthening public health interventions to control the spread and reduce mortality.
