The Ministry of Health of Costa Rica reports 139 cases of malaria from the Caribbean region of Huerta. Most cases were registered in Pococí and Limón. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other sources, the malaria species found is P. falciparum, one of the most dangerous forms of the parasite.
All travelers to Limon Province and adjacent provinces should be made aware of the malaria outbreak! Until there is clarity on the dynamics of the outbreak, chemoprophylaxis may be considered for travelers to the affected areas. Note that there is also a malaria risk in the provinces of Alajuela, Heredia, and the Puntarenas region (see Malaria at www.healthytravel.ch). Optimal mosquito protection 24/7 (at dusk and night against malaria, during the day against dengue, chikungunya and other arboviroses). In case of fever >37.5° C always remember that this can be caused by malaria and immediately take a blood test for malaria!
MoH Costa Rica, 20.4.2023 | MoH Costa Rica, 18.4.2023 | MoH Costa Rica, 14.4.2023 | MoH Costa Rica, 13.4.2023 | MoH Costa Rica, 7.4.2023 | CDC, 17.4.2023 | CDC Alert Travel Notice, 17.4.2023