Health authorities in Mpumalanga have issued a fresh malaria alert after four people died and 858 cases were confirmed in the province since the start of 2026, with local transmission reported in several areas.
The figures have raised concern as the rainy season creates perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed.
Health MEC Sasekani Manzini highlighted Nkomazi, east of Malelane, as one of the hardest-hit zones during World Malaria Day events in the area.
Officials are urging residents to act quickly to prevent more infections and save lives.
Why Malaria Cases Are Rising
Heavy rainfall and flooding earlier in the year created many stagnant water pools where mosquitoes lay their eggs. This led to a sharp increase in cases, especially in low-lying areas near rivers and borders.
In January alone, the province saw over 300 cases, showing how quickly the disease can spread when conditions favour the malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquito.
Out of the 858 total cases, 81 involved people with no recent travel history to other malaria areas.
This points to active local transmission within Mpumalanga, meaning the disease is spreading from person to person inside the province rather than only being brought in from outside.
High-Risk Areas and Who Is Most Affected
Nkomazi Local Municipality remains a major concern because of its location near the Mozambican and Eswatini borders. Warm temperatures, abundant vegetation and cross-border movement make it easier for the parasite to travel.
Other parts of the Lowveld region, including areas around Malelane, Komatipoort and Bushbuckridge, also report higher numbers.
Children under five, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest danger.
Without quick treatment, malaria can cause severe complications such as cerebral malaria, kidney failure and death.
The four fatalities in the province this year serve as a painful reminder that the disease remains deadly if not caught early.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Malaria often starts like ordinary flu, which makes it easy to miss in the beginning. Common signs include:
High fever with chills and sweating
Severe headache
Muscle and joint pains
Tiredness and weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhoea in some cases
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 30 days after a mosquito bite. Anyone returning from malaria areas or living in risk zones who feels unwell should see a doctor or clinic immediately and mention possible malaria exposure.
Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis quickly, and treatment with the right medicines works well if started early.
Prevention Steps Everyone Can Take
Health officials stress that simple actions can greatly reduce the risk:
Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets every night
Use insect repellent on exposed skin, especially in the evening
Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants when outdoors after sunset
Spray indoor walls with approved insecticides where recommended
Remove standing water around homes to stop mosquitoes breeding
Close windows and doors at dusk when mosquitoes are most active
Communities near borders are encouraged to work with neighbours across the line to share information and coordinate spraying efforts. Cross-border collaboration is seen as key to bringing case numbers down.
Treatment and Response Efforts
The provincial health department has stepped up testing, contact tracing and treatment in affected areas. Clinics stock effective malaria medicines, and teams are visiting communities to educate people and distribute nets.
During recent World Malaria Day commemorations in KaMhlushwa, officials called on everyone to join the fight.
Early detection saves lives. The department continues to monitor the situation closely and will adjust its indoor residual spraying and other control measures as needed.
A Call to Stay Vigilant
While Mpumalanga has made progress against malaria in past years, this season’s numbers show the disease can return strongly when weather and human movement combine.
The four deaths and hundreds of cases place extra pressure on families, clinics and hospitals.
Residents in risk areas should not wait for symptoms to worsen. Seek help at the first sign of fever. Travellers returning from Mpumalanga or other endemic zones should watch their health for at least a month.
By working together – using nets, removing breeding sites, reporting cases quickly and supporting cross-border efforts – Mpumalanga can bring this outbreak under control.
Families can protect their loved ones and help stop malaria from claiming more lives in the months ahead.
Stay safe, stay alert and report any suspected cases to your nearest health facility without delay.
This article was original posted by Central News
