News
Updated 18 February 2010
Change in malaria chemoprophylaxis recommendations: Haiti.
Following the earthquake in Haiti on 12 January 2010, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has identified malaria as a principal hazard in Haiti [1]. After considering the current crisis and malaria epidemiology in Haiti and the surrounding region, the malaria chemoprophylaxis guidelines for UK travellers and expatriates to the region has been reviewed and revised.
For travellers to Haiti arriving from or travelling onward to:
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Dominican Republic, the malaria chemoprophylaxis of choice is chloroquine or proguanil.
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Central America (i.e. Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, (Mexico), Nicaragua and West Panama), the malaria chemoprophylaxis of choice is chloroquine or proguanil.
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East Panama, the malaria chemoprophylaxis of choice is chloroquine and proguanil.
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All other malarious areas, the malaria chemoprophylaxis of choice is 1st mefloquine or 2nd doxycycline.
Further information on malaria risk can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Pages
The HPA recommend Malarone be reserved for Emergency Standby Treatment of suspected malaria in Haiti [1].
All travellers should be vigilant about insect bite avoidance and seek immediate medical attention if they experience a febrile illness.
References
1. HPA. Haiti Earthquake (12 January 2010) Disaster Risk Assessment. 22 January 2010. [Accessed 27 January 2010]. Available at:
http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb
Links
CDC: Health advice for Travelers to Haiti
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