Gauteng reports 414 malaria cases and 11 deaths in first quarter of 2026

Cases have nearly doubled compared to the same period in 2025, with officials citing festive season travel to high-risk areas.

The Gauteng health department recorded 414 confirmed malaria cases and 11 deaths between January and March 2026, representing a substantial increase from 230 cases and one death during the same period in 2025.¹²³ The 11 deaths already exceed the seven malaria fatalities recorded across all of 2025, when the province reported 666 cases.¹³

The department issued a warning on 19 April stating that surveillance data indicated a worrying upward trend in infections and fatalities.¹⁵ Officials attributed the increase to travel during the festive season, when residents visited malaria-endemic regions and returned home infected.³

Health authorities identified high-risk areas as Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, as well as neighbouring countries including Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.⁴⁵ Programme Manager for Communicable Disease Control Tebogo Matjokotja said that of 11 cases examined, nine originated from Mozambique.⁴

The department described the trend as signalling heightened transmission risk, particularly in early months of the year following the festive period when exposure increases upon return from endemic regions.¹² Officials warned that delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe illness and death.¹²

Residents have been urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, headache and fatigue, especially after travelling to high-risk areas.¹²⁵ Matjokotja advised that those experiencing cold sensations with flu-like symptoms including high fever, nausea and chills should consult healthcare providers quickly.⁴

Malaria is transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes and is described by health authorities as preventable but potentially life-threatening.¹²³