Malaria warning - Panama
Saturday, 18 May, 2002

Panamanian Health Minister Fernando Gracia last week issued an alert after some 300 malaria cases were reported in the western province of Bocas del Toro.

The disease is thought to be spreading due to heavy rains there and in Costa Rica. The minister ordered spraying in the area and set aside $80 000 for that purpose.

Malaria has long been present in the Central American states but transmission intensity varies greatly with weather conditions and local control measures.

This is a timely warning that malaria remains a problem and travellers must be aware of the potential hazard. Travellers should take precautions as outlined in the alert of May 16

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