Malaria infections worrying public health experts in Keralam

Public health authorities in Keralam are expressing growing concern over the rising cases of malaria. Both imported and indigenous cases have increased over the past five years, according to the Health department. Imported malaria occurs when individuals acquire the disease while outside Keralam, while indigenous malaria is acquired through local transmission.

As of October 5, 2026, there have been four confirmed indigenous cases and 974 imported cases. One death has been reported due to indigenous malaria, while six deaths have been attributed to imported cases this year. The year 2021 marked a significant rise in cases, with 252 imported cases and one indigenous death reported. The highest number of indigenous cases were reported from Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur.

Kollam, which previously had a high incidence of these cases, is now recovering. Health officials attribute the increase in infections to the abundance of mosquitoes and the frequent influx of travelers. To address this issue, the Health department plans to introduce insecticide-treated bed nets in regions with indigenous cases and intensify surveillance measures, screening of migrants, and testing for asymptomatic fever cases.

Dr. T.S. Anish, an associate professor at the School of Public Health, Kerala University of Health Sciences, warns that the consistent efforts to eradicate malaria in the 1960s have been undermined by increased travel and the influx of migrant populations from endemic regions. He also highlights the potential impact of climate change on the spread of malaria.