05 Aug 2018 | 07:55 AM UTC
Dominican Rep.: High rates of malaria in capital region
Health officials report high rates of malaria in 2018, notably in Santo Domingo Oeste; 190 cases reported through mid-July
Event
According to Dominican Republic health authorities, particularly high rates of malaria have been reported in the country in 2018, with a total of 190 cases reported as of July 15. The majority of cases - 66 percent - have been reported in the municipality Santo Domingo Oeste; the most affected area is the La Ciénaga neighborhood. Health officials are closely monitoring areas affected by tropical rains in recent weeks - notably Santo Domingo and San Cristóbal - due to fears of increased transmission rates.
Context
Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches; early symptoms usually appear between seven and 15 days after the contaminating mosquito bite. There is no vaccine but preventive medications are available.
Advice
Individuals in Dominican Republic are advised to take measures to prevent mosquito bites and to seek medical attention if experiencing the above symptoms.
