18 Sep 2018 | 11:40 AM UTC
Dominican Rep.: Malaria cases continue to rise in capital region /update 1
Officials confirm at least 294 cases of malaria nationwide as of September 16; at least 75 percent recorded in Santo Domingo Oeste
Event
Malaria cases continue to increase throughout the country, particularly in Santo Domingo Oeste. According to Dominican health officials, 63 cases were reported in the four weeks leading up to mid-September. At least 75 percent of the new cases were recorded in the Santo Domingo neighborhoods of La Ciénaga, Hato Nuevo, Caballona, and Manoguayabo. The Las Mercedes area of Los Alcarrizos has also been particularly affected.
A total of 294 cases were reported nationwide in the first eight months of the year.
Context
Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches; early symptoms usually appear between seven and 15 days after the contaminating mosquito bite. There is no vaccine but preventive medications are available.
Advice
Individuals in Dominican Republic are advised to take measures to prevent mosquito bites and to seek medical attention if experiencing the above symptoms.
