24 August 2007

Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Great Exuma, Bahamas

On 23 August 2007, the United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on two cases of confirmed Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the island of Great Exuma, Bahamas [1]. One of the cases was in a US citizen who travelled to the island in July 2007.

Malaria transmission had not previously been reported from the Bahamas until late spring and summer of 2006 when 18 cases were reported on Great Exuma [2]. No cases in this outbreak occurred in UK travellers. The Department of Public Health of the Bahamas, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Health Services is investigating the cases and pursuing control measures [3].

Recommendation for Travellers

The UK Health Protection Agency 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. Any traveller who develops a febrile illness during their trip to Great Exuma or in the several months following return should be promptly evaluated for malaria.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Malaria in the Bahamas: Recommendations for travelers. Outbreak notice. 23 August 2007. Accessed 24 August 2007. Available at: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentMalariaBahamas07.aspx 

2. NaTHNaC. Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the Great Exuma, Bahamas – update. Clinical Update. 14 August 2006. Accessed 214 August 2007. Availabel at: http://www.nathnac.org/travel/news/malaria_140806.htm

3. Ministry of Health and Social Development, The Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Ministry of Health and Social Development report case of malaria in Exuma. 14 August 2007. Accessed 24 August 2007. Avialable at: http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/bahamasweb2/home.nsf/c5d1826d

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Links

NaTHNaC Health Information Sheet on Insect Bite Avoidance

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

Health Protection Agency ACMP

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