News Release                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                     January 31, 2007

Malaria in the Dominican Republic

The Public Health Agency of Canada reports two cases of malaria in Canadian travellers returning from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. An additional case of malaria is also reported in a U.S traveller.

Malaria presents as an acute flu-like illness and is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Highest risk of transmission occurs in areas of the Dominican Republic bordering on Haiti. Resort areas in and around the province of La Altagracia also report small-localized outbreaks. 

The Grey Bruce Health Unit reminds all travellers heading to the Dominican Republic or other destinations where malaria is endemic to take antimalarial medication and use protective measures against mosquito bites. 

Residents planning to travel should consult Public Health at 519-376-9420, or their family physician to seek travel health information specific to their travel destination.  Visit our Public Health website for additional travel information at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca and click on Travellers.

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For more information:

Jody Haase R.N., B.Sc.N.

Public Health Nurse, Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 323