On mid-June 2010, health officials are dealing with an important dengue outbreak in a vast southern region. According to the Health Ministry, malaria cases have doubled in Venezuela so far this year with more than 21,600 cases reported. Most of the cases, about 19, 750, were diagnosed in southern Bolivar state.
Malaria is a year-round risk, especially in rural areas below 1 000 meters in the states of Apure, Barinas, Bolivar, Merida, Monagas, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Zulia, Amazona and Delta Amacuro. Malaria is a serious infectious disease transmitted by mosquito bites. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, nausea, etc.
There are two methods for malaria prevention: protecting yourself from mosquito bites, and the use of preventive medicine (chemoprophylaxis). If you are travelling to Venezuela, it is recommended to seek medical advice prior departure. For more information, you can visit our “Malaria factsheet” on this website.
