Malaria in Venezuela (Update)

19 Jun 2017

It has been reported that 3 people have died of malaria in Ciudad Guayana, Bolivar state. The city’s mayor has said that malaria is now being seen at unprecedented levels with more than 50 percent of the population of Guayana being affected.

A large increase in malaria case numbers has occurred in Venezuela since 2015. The Ministry of Health has previously stated that malaria increased by 76.4 percent throughout the country between 2015 and 2016. Of the total of 240 613 malaria cases in the country, 177 619 have been in the state of Bolívar.

Advice for Travellers

Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.

Check with your doctor or nurse whether antimalarial tablets are recommended for your trip.

For futher information see Malaria