Ethiopia: Elevated malaria activity reported nationwide, especially Afar Region, through July

Event

Health officials in Ethiopia reported elevated malaria activity nationwide, with 1,251,910 cases reported Jan. 1-June 25, 2023, compared to 13,136 cases reported in 2022 over a similar period. Afar Region is the most at risk reporting 3,203 malaria cases per 100,000 population, followed by Gambella Region (557 malaria cases per 100,000 population). This report represents the most complete information available as of July 5.

Context

Ethiopia reported 13,136 cases in 2022, only 175 cases in 2017, and 227 cases in 2016. Malaria is a risk nationwide except in Addis Ababa. 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.