Malaria in Costa Rica (Zona Norte) update

Costa Rican public health authorities report continued 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 
• consider antimalarial chemoprophylaxis if in a group 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.

Further advice and information on malaria is available on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 25 February 2022