21 June 2006

 

Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the Great Exuma, Bahamas

At least 16 cases of P. falciparum malaria have been reported from Great Exuma island in the Bahamas [1, 2]. Nearly all cases have been in residents of the Bahamas, some of whom may have recently travelled to Haiti. However, two cases have been reported in travellers to Great Exuma, one in a Canadian [1], and one in a U.S. traveller [2]. No cases have been reported in UK travellers. In the year 2004, about 40,000 UK residents travelled to the Bahamas [3]. However, it is likely that far fewer travel to Great Exuma island.

Malaria is not considered endemic to the Bahamas. The Ministry of Health in the Bahamas has responded with increased surveillance for cases, mosquito control measures and education of the local population. Both the Caribbean Epidemiology Center and the Pan American Health Organization are assisting. No cases have been reported from any of the other Bahamian islands.

Recommendations for Travellers

 

The UK Advisory Committee on Malaria Prevention recommends that all travellers to Great Exuma, Bahamas, be aware of the risk of malaria, and protect themselves against evening and night-time biting mosquitoes [4]. Any traveller who develops a febrile illness during their trip to Great Exuma and in the several months following return should be promptly evaluated for malaria. The situation is being followed closely and if there are any changes to these recommendations they will be posted.

References

1. Public Health Agency of Canada, Travel Medicine Program. Malaria on the Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas. Travel Health Advisory. 17 June 2006. Accessed 20 June 2006. Available at: http://www.phacaspc.gc.ca/tmppmv/2006/mal_baham0617_e.h

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2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Malaria, Great Exuma, Bahamas: Recommendations for Travelers. Outbreak Notice. June 16 2006. Accessed 20 June 2006. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/2006/malaria_bahamas.htm

3. World Tourism Organisation (WTO). Yearbook of Tourism Statistics 2000 - 2004 [CD ROM]. Madrid: WTO; 2006.

4. National Travel Health Network and Centre. Insect bite avoidance. Accessed 20 June 2006. Available at: http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/factsheets/iba.htm

Links

 

Health Protection Agency, Advisory Committee on Malaria Prevention: http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/malaria/ACMP.htm