Gauteng Reports 17 Malaria Deaths in 2026 As Cases Rise Ahead Of Holiday Travel

Gauteng recorded 768 malaria cases and 17 deaths between January and September 2026, prompting the provincial health department to urge travellers to take precautions before visiting malaria-endemic areas.

Cases rose 38.6% from the 554 recorded during the same period in 2025, when six people died. Although Gauteng is a non-endemic province, residents face risks when travelling to areas where malaria is prevalent.

Most Deaths Involved Travel To SADC Countries

The Gauteng Department of Health said 15 of the 17 people who died had travelled to countries within the Southern African Development Community region.

Mozambique accounted for approximately 59% of the reported deaths, according to the department.

For the full 2025 calendar year, Gauteng recorded 666 malaria cases and seven deaths.

Residents planning trips to malaria-endemic areas are urged to visit travel clinics in the province’s five health districts and take appropriate precautions before and during their journeys.

Symptoms After Travel Need Immediate Attention

“Malaria is a serious but preventable and treatable disease. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.”

The department urged travellers to seek help promptly and share their travel history with healthcare workers.

“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 explained.

Gauteng Strengthens Case Monitoring And Training

Environmental health practitioners investigate reported cases across all five districts to establish the likely source of infection.

The department also audits malaria-related deaths to identify contributing factors and improve its response.

Healthcare workers receive ongoing training to identify suspected cases, particularly because malaria is not endemic in Gauteng and is not always immediately suspected.

Reported cases are monitored daily to identify trends and support timely interventions.

Awareness Campaigns Target Travellers

The department has increased community awareness activities at identified hotspots, particularly around public holidays and the festive season.

Outreach takes place at taxi ranks, bus stations and other locations used by travellers. A recent awareness event at Holomisa Sports Grounds in Bekkersdal, in the West Rand District, covered transmission, symptoms, prevention and control.

The department continues working with municipalities, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the National Department of Health and other stakeholders on prevention and surveillance.

Source: SAnews.gov.za

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