Gauteng records 17 malaria deaths as cases surge by nearly 39% - IOL

Gauteng residents have been urged to take precautions as malaria infections and deaths continue to rise in the province.

The Gauteng Department of Health has raised the alarm over a sharp increase in malaria cases and deaths, with 17 people losing their lives and 768 infections recorded in the province between January and September 2026.

The latest figures represent a 38.6% increase in malaria cases compared to the same period in 2025, when 554 infections and six deaths were reported.

The department urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly those travelling to malaria-endemic areas, as concerns grow over the rising number of infections and fatalities.

Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said that although Gauteng is classified as a non-endemic province, residents remain vulnerable to contracting the disease when travelling to areas where malaria is prevalent.

"Although Gauteng is regarded as a non-endemic province, residents remain at risk of contracting malaria when travelling to areas where the disease is prevalent," the department said.

The province recorded 666 malaria cases and seven deaths throughout 2025, compared to the 768 cases and 17 deaths already reported in the first nine months of 2026.

According to the department, 15 of the 17 people who died from malaria in 2026 had travelled to countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

This accounts for 88.2% of the recorded deaths, with Mozambique linked to approximately 59% of the fatalities.

"Of particular concern is that 15 (88.2%) of the 17 people who died in 2026 had a travel history to countries within the SADC region," the department said.

The figures highlight the risks associated with cross-border travel, particularly as the festive season approaches and more residents are expected to travel to neighbouring countries.

The department has appealed to travellers to seek medical advice before visiting malaria-endemic areas and to take the necessary precautions to prevent infection.

"The Department is appealing to residents travelling to malaria endemic areas to visit travel clinics available in the five health districts and take appropriate precautions before and during their journeys."

Health authorities have warned that malaria can become life-threatening if symptoms are ignored or treatment is delayed.

Common symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.

"Malaria is a serious but preventable and treatable disease," the department said.

"Anyone who develops these symptoms while travelling to, or after returning from, a malaria endemic area should seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare workers about their travel history."

The department emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications and deaths.

In response to the increase in infections, the department said it was strengthening malaria prevention, surveillance and control measures across all five health districts.

Environmental Health Practitioners are investigating reported infections to determine whether patients contracted malaria locally or outside South Africa.

The province is also conducting audits of malaria-related deaths to identify contributing factors and improve its response.

Healthcare workers are receiving additional training to help identify suspected malaria cases, particularly because the disease is not commonly encountered in Gauteng.

"The Department also monitors reported cases daily to identify emerging trends and facilitate timely interventions," it said.

Awareness campaigns are also being intensified at taxi ranks, bus stations and other strategic locations ahead of the festive travel season.

On Wednesday, November 11, the department conducted a malaria awareness campaign at Holomisa Sports Grounds in Bekkersdal, West Rand, where residents were educated about transmission, symptoms and prevention measures.

The department said it would continue working with municipalities, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the National Department of Health and other stakeholders to strengthen malaria prevention and control.