Thiruvananthapuram: Malaria, once considered largely under control in Kerala, is showing signs of a worrying comeback, with the state reporting 387 cases and three deaths so far this year, according to the figures in the report.
Health officials are paying close attention to people arriving from other states, as the report says most of the infections reported this year were found among migrant workers and Malayalis who had travelled to other states. Of the 387 patients, all except three fall into these categories.
The rise has raised concern because Kerala had previously brought malaria numbers down through sustained control measures. Cases had dropped to 268 in 2020, but the numbers later began climbing again, reaching 566 in 2023 and 952 in 2024. In 2025, the state recorded 414 cases and two deaths, while 2026 has already seen 387 cases by June.
The report points to possible gaps in monitoring people coming from other states as a major reason for the spread. States such as Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar have already had higher malaria prevalence, and travel-linked infections are believed to be contributing to Kerala’s current situation.
It also highlights concerns over inadequate inspections at migrant workers’ living spaces and shortcomings in pre-monsoon sanitation drives. Public health experts warn that without stronger surveillance, timely testing, mosquito-control measures and better sanitation, malaria could spread faster during the rainy season.
The year-wise data in the report shows Kerala recorded 1,993 malaria cases in 2011, 2,036 in 2012, and gradually brought the number down over the next decade. However, the recent increase suggests that the state may need to intensify preventive action once again.
