Gauteng reports 414 malaria cases and 11 deaths in first quarter

The province recorded nearly double the infections of the same period last year, with health officials citing post-holiday travel.

The Gauteng health department reported 414 confirmed malaria cases and 11 deaths between January and March 2026, marking a significant increase from the 230 cases and one death recorded during the same period in 2025.¹²

The department attributed the rise to travel during the festive season to malaria-endemic regions, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi, which increased residents' exposure to infected mosquitoes upon their return.¹²

Over the full year 2025, Gauteng recorded 666 malaria cases and seven deaths.¹ The department said recent surveillance data indicated a worrying upward trend, particularly in the early months of the year following the holiday period.¹

Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and is preventable but potentially life-threatening.¹ The department warned that delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe illness and death.¹

Residents were urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, headache and fatigue, especially after travelling to high-risk areas.¹² The department said the data underscored the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, early detection and prompt treatment to prevent loss of life.¹