21 June 2007

Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Jamaica - update

As of 26 May 2007, there have been 366 confirmed cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria reported in Jamaica [1]. The outbreak, previously reported, began in late October 2006. The majority of cases (338) have occurred in Kingston; 21 cases have been reported in St. Catherine, and a small number of cases have been reported from neighbouring parishes. A single case was reported in a United States resident who travelled to the island from 29 October to 6 November 2006.

The outbreak now appears to be subsiding. However, a small number of cases continue to be reported monthly and since 14 April 2007, 11 new cases have been confirmed [2].

Technical assistance in controlling the outbreak is being provided by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Advice for travellers

Around 160,000 United Kingdom (UK) residents travel to Jamaica every year [2]. To date, malaria has not been documented in any UK travellers returning from Jamaica. The HPA Advisory Committee for Malaria Prevention in UK Travellers (ACMP) does not recommend malaria prevention tablets for UK travellers to Jamaica. Travellers to Jamaica, in particular to the Kingston area, should be aware of 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. Travel Health Notices and International Reports 14 June 2007 [online] [cited 21 June 2007]. Available at

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2007/mal_jam070614_e.html

2. Public Health Agency of Canada. Malaria in Kingston, Jamaica. Travel Health Notices and International Reports 19 April 2007 [online] [cited 21 June 2007]. Available at

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2007/mal_jam070419_e.html

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

Links

Health Protection Agency malaria website

http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/malaria/default.htm

NaTHNaC malaria information

http://www.nathnac.org/travel/factsheets/malaria.htm

NaTHNaC insect bite avoidance information

http://www.nathnac.org/travel/misc/travellers_mos.htm