Malaria in Costa Rica (Zona Norte) - Update 1

Public health officials in Costa Rica (via media in Spanish) report continuing transmission of malaria in the Zona Norte region of the country

Since September 2021, increased malaria case numbers have been reported from Medio Queso, San Gerardo, Cuatro Esquinas, Isla Chica, La Trocha, Las Delicias, Coquita, Santa Cecilia and San Francisco.

Advice for Travellers

While higher than expected cases of malaria continue to be reported, travellers to this area should:

• be made aware of the risk of malaria, given the current increase in cases
• practise strict mosquito bite avoidance, the mainstay of malaria prevention
• consider antimalarial chemoprophylaxis if they are in groups at higher risk from malaria

Travellers returning from 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.

See the TRAVAX Malaria section for further information.