Press Release

Dominican Republic - Revised Malaria Recommendations

CDC has recommended malaria prophylaxis for travelers to rural areas in the Dominican Republic but not for travel to resorts. There has been a recent observed increase in malaria cases in the Dominican Republic, including a localized outbreak in the Altagracia Province (principally in the Bavaro Beach area) in the southeastern part of the country, which has included some cases in tourists who have stayed in resorts in this area. The risk to tourists appears to be quite low, but as a precautionary measure we are expanding our recommendations to include chloroquineprophylaxis for travelers to resorts in the Altagracia Province, particularly those that travel to the Bavaro Beach area. The Ministry of Health in the Dominican Republic has implemented malaria control measures including intensified surveillance, prompt case management, and intensive mosquito control activities in response to the increase in malaria activity in the province. CDC will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on these recommendations.

• General Information about Malaria: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm
• Malaria Information for Travelers to the Caribbean: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/caribean.htm
• Prescription Drugs for Preventing Malaria: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/malaria/factsht_malaria_drugs.htm
• Preventing Malaria in Infants & Children: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/malaria/factsht_malaria_children.htm

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES