Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has revealed that Malaria cases were rising in the province, with at least 11 deaths from the disease recorded this year.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes on Sunday, 19 April 2026, the GDoH said: ‘’During the first quarter of 2026 (January to March), the department has already recorded 414 confirmed cases and 11 deaths”.
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Although preventable and treatable, delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe illness and death.
“Recent surveillance data indicate a worrying rise in both malaria infections and fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, early detection, and prompt treatment to prevent loss of life,” GDoH said in the statement.
Last year, 666 cases of Malaria and seven deaths from the disease were recorded, the GDoH revealed.
During the first quarter of 2026, the department said it had already recorded 11 deaths from the disease.
The GDoH stated that between January and March, there were 414 confirmed cases of Malaria.
“This represents a significant increase compared with the same period in 2025, which recorded 230 cases and one death,” said the GDoH.
“This upward trend signals heightened transmission risk, particularly in the early months of the year after the festive season, when many residents travel to malaria-endemic regions, increasing their exposure and risk of infection upon their return.”
The GDoH urged residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and fatigue, particularly if they have recently travelled to malaria-endemic areas such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
“Preventive measures, including the use of insect repellent and wearing protective clothing, remain essential to reduce the risk of infection,” stated the GDoH..
“As the global community prepares to observe World Malaria Day on 25 April 2026, the GDoH urges residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families.”
The GDoH said it continues to closely monitor the situation and is strengthening public health interventions to control the spread of malaria and reduce mortality across the province.
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