27 November 2006

 

Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Costa Rica

A health alert has been released by the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica, regarding a cluster of cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the province of Limón, which borders the Caribbean sea in the north-eastern part of the country [1].

According to media reports, a total of 13 cases of malaria have been laboratory confirmed [2], with the Matina area being the most affected.

The finding of a cluster of cases of P. falciparum malaria is unusual as most cases in Costa Rica are caused by P. vivax.

Advice for travellers

Malaria is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Rural areas of Costa Rica below 500m, including the province of Limón, are considered risk areas. Travellers to these areas are advised to take appropriate malaria chemoprophylaxis; the drug of choice for Costa Rica is chloroquine. In addition travellers should also take mosquito bite avoidance measures, and seek prompt medical assistance should they develop symptoms suggestive of malaria.

References

1. Minsiteria de Salud Costa Rica. El Ministerio de Salud emite alerat sanitaria en el cantón de Matina. (Article in Spanish) 14 November 2006. [Accessed 27 November 2006] Available at: http://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/noticias/comunicado

14112006.pdf

2. ProMED-mail. Malaria - Costa Rica (Limon). ProMED-mail 2006; 16 Nov: 20061116.3280. http://www.promedmail.org/pls/promed/f?p=2400:1001:

3292908818542629855::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,

F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ID:1000,35222. Accessed 27 November 2006

 

Link

 

Health Protection Agency Advisory Committee on Malaria Prevention for UK travellers. UK malaria guidelines. http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/malaria/

guidelines.htm