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A Ministry of Health official reported increases in the number of malaria and dengue cases in Honiara, Malaita, Central Islands, Guadalcanal and Temotu Provinces of the Solomon Islands.
It was suggested that increased transmission may be due to the current wet season. In addition transmission may be negatively affected by low stocks of medicines, including malaria prevention and treatment drugs, and the inability to carry out mass spraying against vectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The official stated that mass spraying for malaria and dengue mosquitoes will be conducted in communities and also at household level.
Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquito bites and can cause a severe flu-like illness. There is no vaccine against dengue licensed in the UK. Treatment is supportive only.
All travellers to endemic regions are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection. Aedes mosquitoes are particularly persistent and aggressive. They bite between dawn and dusk.
• Prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites at all times.
While higher than expected cases of malaria continue to be reported, travellers to this area should:
Travellers returning from malarious areas should be advised to seek prompt medical advice if they develop a fever during travel or on their return, ensuring they highlight their potential exposure to malaria.
See the TRAVAX Malaria section and TRAVAX Dengue fever page for further information.
