From a Nov 18 PAHO report on malaria in the Americas (taking in YTD data to weeks 40-44), Colombia is one of several countries in the region with outbreaks occurring: almost 75 percent of all cases were in the departments of Chocó, Nariño, Córdoba and Antioquia. In Brazil, the state of Amazonas continues to have the highest burden of malaria this year, followed by Pará and Roraima. For the third year in a row, Venezuela reported more than 320,000 malaria infections. Overall, compared to 2018 data, increased malaria activity was reported in Panama and the Dominican Republic, but has decreased in Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua and Peru.
Advice for travellers
Travelvax recommends that travellers visiting malarious regions discuss their itinerary and preventative measures, including medication, during a pre-travel medical consultation. More on malaria.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.