Malaria in Costa Rica and Nicaragua (La Trocha)

According to media (in Spanish) on 22 September 2021, an outbreak of malaria has been reported in the settlement of La Trocha (Huetar Norte region) on the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

There have been 8 cases on the Costa Rica side of the border and 7 in Nicaragua. Malaria is unusual in this area and this outbreak is thought to be linked to cross-border travel through La Trocha.

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 chemoproprophylaxis 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.