After 16 weeks of being malaria-free following an outbreak that began and peaked in December 2006, two malaria cases (due to Plasmodium falciparum) were diagnosed in October 2007.  These cases occurred in two areas in Kingston and St. Andrews, the focus of the earlier outbreak. 

In response to these new cases, intense community surveillance has been resumed in the two areas.  More than 500 home visits were done and 369 blood samples were taken and submitted for malaria testing.  All suspected cases were treated for the disease.  There is also ongoing public health education.

Vector control activities have continued in the affected areas, focusing on mosquito vectors for malaria and dengue fever.   
  
Travel advisory:
CAREC, following communication with the Ministry of Health, Jamaica, recommends that travelers to Kingston, Jamaica take adequate precautions to protect against mosquito bites. These include:

• Using insect repellent on exposed skin surfaces when outdoors, particularly from dusk to dawn
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats when outdoor
• Sleeping under the bed nets or in adequately screened or air-conditioned accommodations

Given that malaria is not considered endemic on the island of Jamaica an extensive and enhanced human and vector control measures are in place, CAREC currently does not recommend using anti-malarial prophylactic medicines.  Travelers returning from Kingston who experience symptoms of malaria (fever, chills, sweats, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches), should immediately seek professional medical care and inform their health care provider that they have visited an area currently experiencing a malaria outbreak.

CAREC is closely monitoring the situation and will update the advisory accordingly.