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Malaria in Venezuela (Update)

20 December 2016

On the 19 December 2016 the media reportedLink (in Spanish) that as of 5 November 2016 the malaria epidemic in Venezuela has increased to 200 000 cases.

Most of the cases are caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite. The disease burden caused by each parasite is as follows:

  • 76.08% from Plasmodium vivax (152 087 cases).
  • 18.61% from Plasmodium falciparum (37 203 cases).
  • 6.12% from mixed infections, P. vivax and P. falciparum (12 239 cases).
  • 0.001% from Plasmodium malariae (20 cases).

The number of cases does not account for relapses and is likely to be underreported. Additionally, antimalarial drug stocks and diagnostic supplies are reported to be depleted.

(Via Noticia al DiaLink accessed 20/12/16)

Advice for Travellers

Clinicians should adhere to current guidance for malaria chemoprophylaxis (SMAGLink and/or ACMPLink in UK). Standby emergency treatment for malaria may be advisable for some travellers.

Travellers should be made aware of the resurgence of malaria in Venezuela, and advised that mosquito bite avoidance should always be considered as the first line of defence against malaria and other mosquito-borne infections.