Gauteng warns of rise in malaria cases and deaths

Résumé détaillé

Gauteng residents, particularly those travelling to malaria-endemic areas, are urged to be on alert following an increase in cases of the illness.

Gauteng residents, particularly those travelling to malaria-endemic areas, are urged to be on alert following an increase in cases of the illness.According to the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH), at least 17 people have died of the disease between January and September this year.The department said although the province is regarded as a non-endemic region, residents remain at risk when travelling to areas where the disease is prevalent.“In 2025, the province recorded 666 malaria cases, including seven deaths, between January and December. However, between January and September 2026, 768 cases and 17 deaths were reported.

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

The department said in all five districts, environmental health practitioners investigate reported cases to “establish the likely source of infection and classify them appropriately as imported or odyssean malaria cases”.“The province also conducts audits of all malaria-related deaths to identify contributing factors and improve prevention and response measures.“Healthcare workers across the province receive ongoing training to strengthen their ability to identify suspected malaria cases, particularly because Gauteng is a non-endemic province where the disease may not always be immediately suspected.“The department also monitors reported cases daily to identify emerging trends and…

Début de l'article, extrait de SAnews. Pour lire la suite, ouvrez l'article chez le média.