The Gauteng Department of Health has urged residents to take precautions against malaria, particularly those travelling to malaria-endemic areas, following an increase in infections and deaths recorded in the province.
According to the department, Gauteng recorded 768 malaria cases and 17 deaths between January and September 2026.
This represents a 38.6% increase in cases compared with the same period in 2025, when 554 cases and six deaths were recorded.
Although Gauteng is classified as a non-malaria-endemic province, residents remain at risk of contracting the disease when travelling to areas where malaria is prevalent.
Of particular concern, the department said 15 of the 17 people who died in 2026 had travelled to countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Mozambique accounted for approximately 59% of the reported deaths.
The department is encouraging residents travelling to malaria-endemic areas to visit travel clinics in Gauteng’s five health districts and take appropriate preventive measures before and during their journeys.
Malaria is preventable and treatable, but can become life-threatening if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting. Anyone who develops these symptoms while travelling to, or after returning from, a malaria-endemic area is urged to seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare workers about their travel history.
The department said it continues to strengthen malaria prevention and monitoring across the province. Environmental Health Practitioners investigate reported cases to establish where infections may have originated and classify them as imported or odyssean cases.
Healthcare workers are also receiving ongoing training to improve the identification of suspected malaria cases, while reported infections are monitored daily to identify emerging trends.
Community awareness campaigns are being intensified in identified hotspots and among high-risk groups, particularly ahead of the festive season. Outreach activities include education at taxi ranks, bus stations and other strategic locations.
On Wednesday, 11 November, the department held a malaria awareness campaign at Holomisa Sports Grounds in Bekkersdal, West Rand, educating residents about transmission, symptoms and prevention.
The Gauteng Department of Health is also working with municipalities, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the National Department of Health and other stakeholders to strengthen malaria surveillance and control.
The department has urged residents not to ignore symptoms, particularly after travelling to malaria-endemic areas, as early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.
