Malaria cases in Luckhoff’s non-endemic Xhariep District killed a 53-year-old man and left two relatives receiving treatment.
The Free State Department of Health confirmed the three laboratory-diagnosed cases on Thursday.
Department spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said Mediclinic Bloemfontein, a private hospital, is treating the surviving patients, a 50-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man. Both are clinically stable.
Mvambi stressed that none of the affected family members had recently travelled to malaria-endemic regions.
Health authorities are investigating suspected Odyssean malaria, considering whether a mosquito carried it from an endemic area or if it spread locally.
MEC offers condolences, reassures public amid malaria cases
Free State MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time,” Mahlatsi said.
He added that the department had activated a comprehensive response plan.
“Our teams are implementing evidence-based measures, including enhanced surveillance, targeted vector control, prompt diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
Investigation and malaria outbreak response
The provincial and district outbreak response teams, supported by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the National Department of Health, are investigating the cases.
Mvambi said the teams are conducting environmental assessments, screening nearby farms, and strengthening surveillance.
Community health workers and health promoters are also carrying out risk communication, active case finding, and public health education.
Call for vigilance among healthcare providers
The Health Department urged Free State and neighbouring healthcare providers to suspect malaria in any fever cases, even without travel history.
Clinicians must manage suspected cases according to national guidelines, start treatment immediately, and notify malaria cases within 24 hours as required by law.
Mvambi advised residents to seek medical attention if they experience fever, chills, headaches, body aches, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
“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,” he said.
