14 August 2006

 

Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the Great Exuma, Bahamas - update

During June 2006, 18 cases of falciparum malaria were reported on the island of Great Exuma in the Bahamas [1]. Malaria is not considered endemic to the Bahamas and the Ministry of Health of Great Exuma responded to these cases with heightened surveillance, a mosquito-control programme and local education. No additional cases of malaria have been reported on Great Exuma since 19 June 2006.

Four of the reported cases occurred in travellers, two from the USA, one from Canada and one from Germany. There have been no cases in UK travellers, and 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 [2]. 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.

 

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Malaria, Great Exuma, Bahamas: Recommendations for Travelers. Outbreak Notice. August 1 2006. Accessed 11 August 2006. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/2006/malaria_bahamas.htm

2. 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