No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaCosta Rica remains vigilant due to increase in Malaria cases

Costa Rica remains vigilant due to increase in Malaria cases

The Ministry of Health and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund remain vigilant and continue implementing actions to reduce malaria cases registered in the country.

According to both institutions, as of epidemiological week number 24 of this year (as of June 18), 256 cases of malaria have been reported, which represents an increase over the last five years.

In 2018, 109 cases were reported, while in 2019 a total of 140 cases; on the other hand, there were 138 cases in 2020 and 228 cases in 2021.

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite of the Plasmodium genus and transmitted to people mainly by the bite of a female mosquito of the Anopheles genus. It has been endemic in the country since the 18th century, and transmission has been reestablished in large regions of the Caribbean coast and spread to other areas of the country. 

The three regions with the most cases are the Huetar Norte Region with 226 cases, the Huetar Caribe Region with 22 cases and the Central Pacific Region with 8 cases.

The Ministry of Health and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund constantly conduct house-to-house visits to detect people with symptoms, take blood samples, provide medicines to suspicious persons, and fumigate areas near the home.

However, they call on the population to also use repellent, placing mosquito nets and covering their skin.

This disease has various symptoms, including chills, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, headache, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, cough, and muscle pain.

Health experts point out that it is crucial to visit a doctor in case of these symptoms, especially if people live in or have traveled to an area with a high risk of malaria.

The country continues to work towards malaria elimination by 2025. Several institutions are working together to achieve this goal.

Popular Articles

How Pope Francis Transformed Vatican Finances, Discipline & Ecology

Pope Francis implemented during his pontificate a number of significant measures—from reforming the Roman Curia to combating sexual abuse of minors within the Church....

Costa Rica Faces UN Lawsuit Over Rights of Deported Migrant Children

Costa Rica faces a lawsuit before the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, accused of violating the rights of 81 migrant...

VIDEO: Poás Volcano Erupts with 3.5 km Ash Plume, OVSICORI Reports

This morning at approximately 5:15 a.m., Poás Volcano erupted yet again, producing a significant ash plume that soared 3.5 kilometers above the crater, according...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait

Latest Articles