Malaria deaths spike in Gauteng as travel-related cases surge

There has been a sharp increase in malaria-related deaths reported in Gaunteng since the start of the year.

In the first three months of 2026, the province recorded 414 cases and 11 fatalities.

The figures represent a significant increase compared to the same period last year and have already surpassed the total number of deaths recorded for 2025.

Dr Jaishree Raman, head of the Antimalarial Resistance Monitoring Laboratory at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), said malaria is not commonly found in the province.

"Gauteng is not an endemic area; we don't have the mosquitoes, so there's no local transmission here."

She explained that the cases are associated with travellers going to endemic areas, becoming infected and then returning to Gauteng.

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However, Raman added that what is concerning is the high number of deaths.

"Which means that people are presenting late to healthcare facilities, and the disease has progressed. Whereas if you present very early, you can get cured."

She's urging citizens to take early warning signs seriously, signs such as fever, chills, headaches and fatigue, especially after travel.

Raman noted that incidents of the disease have been declining for some time, leading to decreased vigilance regarding symptoms.

Many, she suggested, may even be mistaking cases for a bout of flu.

"That seems to be the most common thing...we're really urging people that if they've travelled to an endemic area...and they start showing these flu-like symptoms, tell your healthcare professional."

To listen to Raman in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, click the audio below.