Gauteng recorded 768 malaria cases and 17 deaths between January and September 2026, prompting a renewed warning from the provincial Department of Health.

Reported cases increased by 38.6% compared with the same period in 2025, when 554 cases and six deaths were recorded.

Malaria is preventable and treatable, but delays in diagnosis and treatment can allow it to become life-threatening.

Where Are People Getting Infected?

Gauteng is not considered malaria-endemic, meaning ongoing transmission is not normally established here. Residents can, however, become infected while visiting malaria-risk areas and develop symptoms after returning.

Malaria transmission occurs in certain parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as other countries in the region. Heavy rainfall and flooding increased mosquito breeding and transmission in affected areas earlier this year.

Gauteng Health reports that 15 of the 17 people who died had travelled to other Southern African Development Community countries. This describes the deaths, rather than where all 768 infections were acquired.

🦟 Did You Know?

Not Every Mosquito Can Spread Malaria

Certain female Anopheles mosquitoes can pick up malaria parasites when feeding on an infected person. After the parasites develop inside the mosquito, it can infect another person through a later bite.

You cannot catch malaria through ordinary contact, such as sitting beside, hugging or caring for someone who has it.

Before You Travel

South Africa’s malaria season generally runs from September to May. Risk varies by destination, so check your exact itinerary.

• Get medical advice early: Ask a travel clinic, doctor or pharmacist whether preventive medication is recommended.
• Follow medication instructions: Take it for the full period advised, including after returning, where required.
• Prevent bites: Use repellent according to its label and wear long sleeves, trousers and socks, particularly from dusk to dawn.
• Check sleeping arrangements: Use screened rooms or an insecticide-treated mosquito net.

Pregnant travellers and families with young children should seek advice beforehand. Pregnancy and being under five increase the risk of severe malaria.

Recognise Symptoms and Act Quickly

Warning signs include:

• Fever or chills.
• Headache and muscle aches.
• Unusual tiredness.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Seek medical attention immediately if these develop during or after visiting a malaria-risk area, and ask about testing. Explain where you travelled and whether you took preventive medication. Taking it does not completely rule out malaria.

Government guidance advises immediate assessment for flu-like symptoms occurring up to six months after visiting a malaria area.

Confusion, seizures or difficulty breathing require emergency care immediately. Do not wait for these severe signs before seeking help.

What If You Have Not Travelled?

Occasionally, infected mosquitoes are transported in vehicles or luggage and bite someone outside a malaria-risk area. Known as “taxi” or “suitcase” malaria, this is uncommon.

Persistent or unexplained fever still needs medical assessment, even without travel.

Gauteng Health says it is strengthening surveillance, investigating infections and deaths, training healthcare workers and expanding community awareness activities, including at transport hubs.

The Bottom Line

Put malaria prevention on your travel checklist, and mention your trip if you become ill afterwards. Being back home does not mean the risk has passed. Prompt testing and treatment can save lives.