Health ministry issues Malaria precautions

The Ministry of Health is warning Jamaicans to  take the necessary precautions when traveling to malaria endemic countries or regions.

The ministry says Jamaica has worked hard to be malaria free and citizens must play their part to keep it that way.

The reminder comes as the health ministry expresses condolences to the family of Alfons Klem, who died from complications associated with malaria.

Klem, a German who resided in Mandeville, Manchester, died last week at hospital. 

He is one of three imported cases of malaria since the start of the year.
It is reported he was infected with the disease while on a trip to an African country.

The health ministry is urging Jamaicans to check with the ministry or their Parish Health Department to find out what measures need to be taken for the country to which they plan to travel.

Malaria is caused by the malaria parasite and is spread when the female Anopheles mosquito bites an infected person and then bites others.

There is no direct person to person transmission. 

Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are also possible.

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