9 March 2007

Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Jamaica - update

As of 3 March 2007, the Jamaican Ministry of Health has reported 312 confirmed cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria [1]. The majority of cases (291) have been reported from Kingston, although 15 cases have been reported in St. Thomas and a small number of cases have been reported from other neighbouring parishes.

Technical assistance in controlling the outbreak is being provided by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC).

Although a small number of cases may continue to be reported, the outbreak appears to be subsiding [1].

Advice for travellers

Around 160,000 United Kingdom (UK) residents travel to Jamaica each year [2, 3]. To date, malaria has not been documented in any UK travellers returning from Jamaica. The Health Protection Agency Advisory Committee for Malaria Prevention (ACMP) does not recommend malaria prevention tablets for UK travellers to Jamaica. Travellers should, however be aware of the possible risk and protect themselves against evening and night-time biting mosquitoes (see NaTHNaC insect bite avoidance information sheet).

Any traveller who develops a febrile illness during travel, 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. Public Health Agency of Canada. Malaria in Kingston, Jamaica. 7 March 2007 [accessed 9 March 2007]. Available at http://www.phacaspc.gc.ca/tmppmv/2007/

mal_jam070307_e.html

2. World Tourism Organization (WTO). Yearbook of tourism statistics, 2005 [CD ROM]. Madrid: WTO, 2006.

3. Health Protection Agency. Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Jamaica - update. Health Protection Report 2007; Jan 5. [accessed 9 March 2007] Available at http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpr/archives/2007/news2007/

news0107.htm