Botswana reports increase in malaria

The Botswana Ministry of Health, in late March, notified the public of a significant increase in malaria.

The outbreak began in October 2024 in Okavango district and has spread to five districts. Several districts are non-endemic for malaria.

As of April 4, the MOH reported 1,764 confirmed cases and eight deaths. Of the 1,764 total cases, 74 had severe malaria.

The MOH doesn’t specify the breakdown of malaria species detected, only saying it is Plasmodium species.

Malaria is transmitted to humans through the bites of an infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including chills, fever, anemia, headache, fatigue, seizures, difficulty in breathing, and coma.

The MOH continues to implement vector control measures, enhanced surveillance, case management, risk communication and community engagement activities in the affected areas.