Health
Malaria Cases Rise in Kerala, Health Officials Urge Strengthened Surveillance
The number of both indigenous and imported malaria cases has increased over the past five years, raising concerns among health authorities. Imported malaria is contracted outside Kerala, whereas indigenous malaria is transmitted locally when a mosquito picks up the parasite from an infected person and spreads it to another. According to the Health Department, as of October 5, 2026, there were four confirmed indigenous cases and 974 imported cases. This year, one death from indigenous malaria and six deaths from imported malaria have been reported. In 2025, there were no indigenous deaths and two deaths from imported cases. The rise in cases began after 2021, when 252 imported and one indigenous death were recorded. The highest numbers of indigenous cases were reported from Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur. Kollam, which previously had a high incidence, is now in a recovery phase. Health officials attribute the increase to abundant mosquitoes and a frequent influx of travellers. “Over the past several years, the number of imported malaria cases has increased substantially. We need to strengthen surveillance measures, screen migrants for the disease, and ensure intensive screening and testing for asymptomatic fever cases,” an official said. The department plans to introduce insecticide‑treated bed nets in houses in regions where indigenous cases are reported. Efforts are also being intensified to prevent the development of malaria‑endemic areas in the state. “The increasing number of malaria cases in the past few years is a concern,” said T.S. Anish, associate professor at the School of Public Health, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram. “The consistent efforts by the Health Department in the 1960s succeeded in freeing the State from malaria. However, with increased travel and the influx of migrants from disease‑endemic regions, malaria cases are being reported. Delays in timely detection and intervention will contribute to the rise of indigenous cases. Local conditions are ideal for the spread of the disease,” Dr. Anish warned. He added that climate change could also become a key concern, potentially allowing malaria to spread to previously unreported regions. “The climate in Kerala and the frequent movement of domestic workers are favourable to the spread of the disease,” he said. Published – October 08, 2026 06:10 am IST