Malaria in Colombia

Public health authorities in Colombia (bulletin 28, in Spanish) are reporting outbreaks of malaria in several departments of the country. The affected departments are: Antioquia, Cauca, Choco, Cordoba, Guaviare and Risaralda.

Advice to travellers

Travellers to all parts of Colombia should:

• Be made aware of the risk of malaria, given the current increase in cases
• Practise strict mosquito bite avoidance at all times to reduce the risk of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue

For travellers to the high malaria risk departments of Antioquia, Cauca, Choco, Cordoba, Guaviare and Risaralda, antimalarial chemoprophylaxis is advised: atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine.

Travellers to malarious areas should seek prompt medical advice if they develop a fever during travel or on their return, ensuring they highlight their potential exposure to malaria.

Malaria Map

Please be advised the malaria maps are not usually updated when outbreaks of malaria occur unless the risk increases on a more permanent basis.  

• Country-specific malaria text should always be checked and followed for the most up to date information on risk areas and prevention advice.

See the TRAVAX Malaria section for further information.