Malaria in Jamaica

Updated: April 25, 2008

• About Malaria
• Recommendations for Travellers
• Monitor your health
• As a reminder
• Additional information

 

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reminds travelers to protect themselves from mosquito bites when traveling to Jamaica.  Limited local transmission of malaria continues to occur.

About Malaria

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito that bites from early evening until morning. Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and malaise. Rigors (severe shakes or muscle spasms) and chills often occur.

Consult with your health care provider or travel health clinic before travelling to better understand your health risks and to learn what personal preventative measures you may need while travelling.

Recommendations to Travellers

PHAC recommends the following personal-protective measures to avoid mosquito bites:  

• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Use DEET-based products.  Remember to apply carefully:
  • Do not apply to cuts, abrasions or irritated skin;
  • Do not spray repellent directly on the face;
  • Wash hands after application, to avoid contact with lips and eyes; and,
  • Do not use DEET and sunscreen combination products.  If application of sunscreen and DEET is required, apply the sunscreen first and let it soak into the skin for about 20 minutes before applying DEET.
• Cover up. The less exposed skin you have, the less likely you are to be bitten. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Sleep under mosquito netting treated with insecticide.  This will protect you when you're sleeping. 
• Consider your accommodations. When possible, remain in well-screened or completely enclosed, air-conditioned areas.

Consult with your health care provider or travel health clinic before travelling to better understand your health risks and to learn what personal preventative measures you may need while travelling.

For more detailed information on protecting yourself and your family against mosquito bites, refer to PHAC's Statement on Personal Protective Measures to Prevent Arthropod Bites.

Monitor your health

You must seek medical attention as soon as possible for unexplained fever that arises during or after travel to an area where malaria occurs.

If identified early and treated appropriately, almost all malaria can be completely cured. However, even short delays in the diagnosis of malaria can make treatment more difficult and less successful.

As a reminder...

PHAC strongly recommends that you consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks prior to international travel, regardless of your destination.  Meeting with a health care provider will help you understand your individual health needs and safety risks. The health care provider can suggest steps to take to prevent illness and injury while traveling and recommend appropriate vaccinations and preventative medications.

Travellers who get sick while traveling or become sick after returning to Canada should inform their health care provider.  Without being asked, travellers should tell their health care provider where they have been and what, if any, treatment or medical care they received while traveling (e.g., blood transfusions, injections, dental care, and surgery).

• Know before you go!
  General travel health advice

• Food and Water Precautions
  PHAC strongly recommends key principles regarding food and water precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to disease.

Additional information:

• Prevention and Treatment of Malaria Among International Travellers, Statement by the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT).

• Immunizations Recommended for Travel Outside of Canada