Malaria in the Dominican Republic
02 Aug 2018
The Dominican Republic has reported via media (in Spanish)
190 cases of malaria from the beginning of the year to 8 July 2018. Of these, 66% are in Santo Domingo Oeste municipality, which is located in Santo Domingo Province. In the 4 weeks to 8 July, there have been 33 cases in Santo Domingo Oeste. The increase in case numbers is though to be due to high rainfall following tropical storm Beryl.
Advice for travellers
Malaria occurs in the Dominican Republic although the risk of a traveller being infected is usually low. Despite the increase in malaria case numbers antimalarial chemoprophylaxis is not advised at this time. However, rigorous avoidance of mosquito bites at all times is strongly emphasized as the first line of defence against malaria and other mosquito-borne infections.
In the event of developing a fever during or after return from travel, travellers should seek prompt medical attention.