Malaria cases rising fast in Gauteng!

Health authorities in Gauteng have issued a warning after a sharp rise in malaria cases and deaths in the province.

The Gauteng Department of Health is urging residents to stay alert and seek medical help immediately if they experience symptoms linked to the disease.

Here’s what to look out for…

According to the department, recent data shows a worrying increase in both infections and fatalities. Between January and December 2025, Gauteng recorded 666 malaria cases and seven deaths.

But in just the first three months of 2026, there have already been 414 confirmed cases and 11 deaths – a significant jump compared to the same period last year, when 230 cases and one death were reported.

Health officials say the rise is partly linked to travel. Many residents visit malaria-endemic areas during the festive season and return home unknowingly infected.

These high-risk areas include Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Symptoms to watch for:

Malaria is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can become life-threatening if not treated early.

Once a person is bitten, the parasite enters the bloodstream and attacks red blood cells. This can lead to flu-like symptoms, which usually appear within 10 to 15 days after infection.

Image: Shutterstock!