Costa Rica: Elevated malaria activity reported in Limon Province, especially Pococi, through April 2023

Event

Health officials in Costa Rica reported elevated malaria activity in Limon Province during 2023, with 115 cases reported April 2-15, compared to 13 cases reported in the province in 2006. Pococi Canton reports the highest number of cases (60 cases), followed by Limon (51 cases). This report represents the most complete information available as of April 18.

Context

Costa Rica reported no cases since 2019 when 145 cases were reported nationwide, 108 cases in 2018, and 25 cases in 2017.

Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of malaria most commonly include fever, chills, headaches and body aches, nausea and vomiting, and general malaise. Symptoms typically appear 7-30 days after being bitten; however, there are reports of symptoms appearing as late as one year afterward.

Advice

See a medical provider to discuss the need for anti-malarial medication before traveling to Panama. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within a month of being in affected areas; be sure to inform a healthcare provider of any travel to affected areas that occurred during the past 12 months.