26 Jun 2024 | 10:34 AM UTC
Dominican Republic: Elevated malaria activity reported in multiple areas in June
Elevated malaria activity reported in multiple areas in Dominican Republic in June. Consider antimalarials; avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated malaria activity in multiple areas in the Dominican Republic, with 440 confirmed cases reported Jan. 1-June 8. This is compared to the 120 confirmed cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Azua is the most affected province, with 290 cases, followed by San Juan (127 cases). Other provinces reporting confirmed cases include Santo Domingo (7 cases), Baoruco (5 cases), and Independencia (2 cases). National District, Barahona, La Altagracia, La Vega, Monte Cristi, Puerto Plata, Sánchez Ramirez, Valverde, and Gran Santo Domingo reported only one confirmed case each. This report represents the most complete data available as of June 26.
See a medical provider to discuss the need for anti-malarial medication before traveling to the Dominican Republic. 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; however, be sure to inform a healthcare provider of any travel to affected areas that occurred during the past 12 months
The Dominican Republic reported 829 cases in 2020, 290 cases in 2021, and 335 cases in 2022. Malaria risk is present throughout the year. The risk is especially high in regions bordering Haiti, including Pedernales and Bahoruco provinces.
Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The disease manifests because of the Plasmodium group of parasites. Six Plasmodium parasites infect humans, namely P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale curtisi, P. ovale wallikeri, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. 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 beginning as late as one year.
