NewsDesk @bactiman63

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica issued a health alert over the malaria outbreak in the country:

Costa Rica /CIA

There have been reports of an increase in the number of Malaria cases in Costa Rica. Though these cases have been reported primarily in the Caribbean province of Limon, there is an increased risk anywhere in Costa Rican, especially in coastal or low-lying zones, Embassy officials reports.

According to preliminary data from the Health Surveillance Directorate of the Ministry of Health, as of April 26, 2023, a total of 139 positive cases of malaria have been identified in the Huetar Caribe region, which includes a total of 68 cases in Pococí and 67 in the canton of Limón, these being the most affected by the disease.

Embassy officials write:

If you travel to an area where malaria is common, taking medicine can help keep you from getting it. If you plan to travel in Costa Rica, tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible.

·        If you are pregnant and traveling in an area with Malaria, tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible.  You may have a higher risk of getting malaria than other people, and you could get much sicker.

·        Other Precautions:

o   Stay inside at night – This means any time after sunset and before sunrise.

o   Wear shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when you go outside.

o   Wear bug spray or cream that contains DEET or a chemical called picaridin.

o   Sleep in a building with good screens over the windows and doors or air conditioning.  Or, you can sleep under a bed net treated with bug spray.

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