Posted: Tuesday, April 15, 2025. 12:23 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) has issued an urgent warning to Belizeans regarding the recent confirmation of locally transmitted malaria cases in Santa Elena Town and Cristo Rey Village in the Cayo District. This marks the first instance of local malaria transmission in over six years, coming nearly two years after Belize was previously certified malaria-free.
On Monday, during a press conference, Dr Melissa Diaz Musa, Director of Public Health and Wellness, addressed inquiries regarding the malaria cases. While acknowledging the current situation, she stressed that certification of elimination does not guarantee the absence of all cases. Instead, it reflects a sustained reduction below a specified threshold, assessed by the World Health Organization (WHO) over consecutive years.
Malaria is a febrile illness caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms typically present as episodes of fever with accompanying chills and sweating every 48 to 72 hours. The MOHW has reported four confirmed malaria cases so far in 2025 dating back to January, three of which are locally transmitted, while one case originated from Petén, Guatemala.
These cases were identified through the routine surveillance efforts of both public and private healthcare facilities. In response, the Vector Control Program has mobilized resources to contain the outbreak, which includes house-to-house fever screening initiatives; aggressive mosquito control measures, including fogging and larviciding; and community education campaigns to raise awareness about malaria symptoms and preventive measures.
All affected individuals have received appropriate medical treatment and have tested negative upon follow-up evaluations. To enhance public safety, increased surveillance efforts are being put in place, focusing on neighborhoods in Santa Elena and Cristo Rey. Community members who experience fever and chills, especially those who have traveled recently to neighboring countries, are strongly encouraged to seek free malaria testing at local health facilities.
The Ministry of Health also emphasizes the importance of preventive measures against mosquito bites. Residents are advised to use insect repellent when traveling, utilize bed nets for sleeping, keep their surroundings clean, and eliminate any standing water to deter mosquito breeding.
In related news, the Ministry is also monitoring the situation regarding whooping cough outbreaks in Mexico, where over 600 cases have been reported. Officials emphasized the critical role of vaccination in preventing such outbreaks. Dr. Natalia Largaespada Beer, Technical Advisor for Maternal & Child Health, noted that the primary concern remains unvaccinated children who are most vulnerable to contracting whooping cough. “We have encountered small clusters of cases primarily among unvaccinated children,” she remarked.
As Belize faces these public health challenges, the Ministry of Health & Wellness urges all residents to stay informed, take preventive actions, and remain vigilant for symptoms of both malaria and whooping cough.
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The post Malaria and whooping cough updates: Belize’s health response appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, April 15, 2025. 12:23 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) has issued an urgent warning to Belizeans regarding
The post Malaria and whooping cough updates: Belize’s health response appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
