8 December 2006

Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Jamaica - Update

As of 6 December 2006, the Ministry of Health in Jamaica have reported 20 confirmed cases of falciparum malaria in Jamaican residents. An additional case has been confirmed in a US resident of Jamaican origin who had visited Jamaica in late October and early November. The majority of cases have occurred in the four districts in the city of Kingston, although several cases have also been seen in the neighbouring province of St Catherines. Dates of onset, where known, were between 27 September and 30 November 2006 [1].  

Malaria is not considered endemic in Jamaica, although isolated, localised outbreaks have previously occurred [2]. The Jamaican Ministry of Health has responded with heightened surveillance, a mosquito-control programme and local education [2, 3]. The Caribbean Epidemiology Center and Pan American Health Organization are assisting with the response [2].

 

Advice for Travellers

Malaria is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Travellers to Jamaica should protect themselves against evening and night-time biting mosquitoes (See NaTHNaC insect bite avoidance information sheet). Based on the advice of the HPA Advisory Committee for Malaria Prevention in UK travellers (ACMP; http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/malaria/guidelines.ht

m) preventive malaria medication is not recommended for UK travellers to Jamaica. Any traveller who develops a febrile illness during travel to Jamaica or for up to a year following their return to the UK, should be promptly evaluated and have a blood test for malaria without delay. In the unlikely event that any travellers do contract malaria after visiting Jamaica, the appropriate treatment is chloroquine.

References

1. Ministry of Health, Jamaica. Malaria outbreak not an epidemic. 6 December 2006. Accessed 7 December 2006. Available online at:

http://www.moh.gov.jm/malariaOutbreak.htm

2. Public Health Agency of Canada. Malaria in Kingston, Jamaica. Travel Health Notices and International Reports. December 7 2006. Accessed 8 December 2006.

Available online at:

http://www.phacaspc.gc.ca/tmppmv/2006/mal_jam061207_e.ht

ml

3. Ministry of Health, Jamaica. Health Ministry implements action plan. 6 December 2006. Accessed 7 December 2006. Available online at:

http://www.moh.gov.jm/MHimplementsmalariaAction.htm

Links

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