Panama: Elevated malaria activity reported in nationwide, especially Guna Yala, through August 2022

Event

Panamanian health officials have reported elevated malaria activity nationwide during 2022, with 4,076 cases reported Jan. 2-Aug. 27, compared to 1,934 cases reported nationwide over a similar period in 2021. Guna Yala reports the highest number of cases (1,513 cases), followed by Panama East (904 cases), and Darien (824 cases). This report represents the most complete information available as of Sept. 13.

Context

Panama reported 2,317 cases nationwide in 2020, 1,985 cases in 2019, and 715 cases in 2018.

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.