The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) is urging residents, particularly those in northern KwaZulu-Natal, to remain vigilant for malaria symptoms and seek medical attention after travelling to high-risk areas.
The institute has cautioned against complacency, warning that despite relatively low reported cases, the risk of malaria infection remains high in parts of the province.
The warning comes as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) marks Malaria Day, which aims to raise awareness about disease prevention, early detection and treatment.
NICD's Dr Jaishree Raman says malaria transmission in South Africa is mainly concentrated in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, where infected mosquitoes are commonly found.
Symptoms of malaria include muscle and joint pain, extreme tiredness, fever and headaches.
Raman says although the disease is treatable and effective medication is available in South Africa, early diagnosis is essential.
She advises people who develop symptoms after visiting malaria-endemic areas to seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare workers about their travel history.
A rapid diagnostic test can be conducted using a finger-prick blood sample, with results available within 20 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, an international study published earlier this year in the journal Nature, and co-authored by researchers from the University of Cape Town, has found that parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga could become increasingly suitable for malaria transmission.
Co-researcher Christopher Trisos says rising temperatures linked to climate change are shifting malaria risks into areas that have historically recorded fewer cases. Some of Africa's hottest malaria hotspots could, however, eventually become too warm for mosquitoes to survive.
Trisos says the projected increase in childhood malaria cases in north-eastern South Africa is estimated at between one and three percent due to future climate change.
He says the projected increase remains manageable if existing malaria prevention and control measures are fully implemented and adequately funded.
Trisos has called for stronger disease surveillance systems, improved healthcare services and increased investment in malaria prevention programmes.
He says timely intervention could help ensure that malaria elimination remains achievable in South Africa and other affected parts of the continent, despite the challenges posed by climate change.