The Free State Department of Health encourages the public to refrain from sharing unverified information in light of the recent confirmed cases of Malaria in the province.
According to the department there have been no new cases reported other than the three previously cases in Luckhoff. As a precautionary measure, the Multidisciplinary Outbreak Response Teams continues to raise awareness and active screening in the area to ensure that no cases are overlooked.
“The source of infection in this non-endemic area remains unknown. Provincial and national experts are investigating to determine the source and provide a plausible scientific explanation,” said the spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi.
Locals are advised to seek medical attention at their nearest clinic or hospital if they experience a fever, chills, headache, body aches or flu-like symptoms, especially if they have been to malaria-endemic areas.
“Reduce mosquito bites by using repellents, wear long sleeves and long pants in the evening, and remove standing water around homes.”
Furthermore, a team of entomologists from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) will visit the Xhariep District between 14 and 17 October 2025 to collect mosquito samples for testing, to determine the presence of Anopheles mosquitoes that may be linked to the cases.
“Genotyping results indicate that the family of three may have been bitten by the same mosquito,” Mvambi added.
A 23-year-old male has been discharged from Mediclinic Bloemfontein and travelled safely to Potchefstroom while the spouse of the 50-year-old male who passed away earlier this month remains admitted.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
