Three cases of the disease have been reported in the province this week
By: Abigail Visagie
The Free State Department of Health has confirmed that one person has died from Malaria at a farm in Luckhoff, after three cases of the deadly disease were detected in the small Xhariep District town earlier this week.
Department Spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, has confirmed that one of the three patients, a 53-year-old male, has unfortunately succumbed to the disease. Mvambi also revealed that his wife, aged 50, has been moved out of intensive care and into a general ward, while a 23-year-old male has since been discharged.
According to the National Department of Health, Malaria is a deadly disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says Malaria is one of the biggest health challenges that the world faces today.
According to a recent report by WHO, 597 000 people died from the disease in 2023 alone, and approximately 263 million were newly infected, and 95% of all malaria cases come from the African continent, even though malaria is treatable and preventable.
In South Africa 3 900 cases and 31 deaths were reported in 2025, compared to over 11 600 cases and 56 deaths in 2019.
In the media statement, Mvambi highlighted that none of the family members had travelled to a malaria-endemic region recently, but confirmed that the department was weighing the risk of the disease spreading.
“At this stage, odyssean malaria (infection from a mosquito inadvertently transported from an endemic area) is suspected, while the possibility of rare local transmission is being investigated.”
He further reassured residents in the province that the Provincial and District Outbreak Response Teams, supported by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the National Department of Health, are conducting case investigations, environmental assessments and enhanced surveillance.
“As part of risk communication and community engagement (RCCE), community health workers and health promoters are conducting health education, active case finding and risk communication. Screening has commenced in the affected area, including surrounding farms.”
Some of the symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, body aches, and nausea or unusual fatigue. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care promptly.
Residents are encouraged to reduce mosquito bites by using appropriate repellents, wearing long sleeves and trousers from dusk to dawn and removing standing water around homes.
The Free State MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time,” said Mahlatsi.