NASSAU, Bahamas– More than ten years after reporting a case of local transmission, health authorities are confirming that a Bahamian national, who recently traveled to West Africa, has tested positive for malaria.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Wellness said, “the patient affected is a Bahamian male in his mid-thirties who traveled to West Africa (and) is receiving treatment in a private facility, and a full recovery is expected.”,
The Ministry of Health and Wellness said it has activated its tracing and surveillance teams in light of this confirmation and will provide updates to the public should they become necessary.
“Persons are also advised to adhere to vector control protocols, which diminish catchment areas where mosquito larvae can grow. Malaria is not endemic to The Bahamas, and the last reported case of local transmission was more than ten years ago.”
Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville told reporters Tuesday night that the “case had a travel history to an endemic country. Initially, they presented not feeling well. They came to the doctor back and forth, and after examining their travel history, a test confirmed malaria positive.
“We reported it because our surveillance crew has contacted those who have been in association with him, and the necessary protocols are in place. I reported it before the media got a hold of it and sensationalized it,” said Dr. Darville, adding, “I just wanted to make sure that the population knows that we have a positive case in the country.
“We are quite satisfied with the protocols necessary to ensure that the case is covered.”
Malaria is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The primary symptoms include fever, fatigue, vomiting, chills, headaches, anemia, and diarrhea. Muscle pain, bloody stools, and profuse sweating are also seen. It can lead to seizures, coma, and death in severe cases.
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