The health ministry last night confirmed 13 cases of malaria in the country, and declared an all-out war to ensure the disease does not turn into a pandemic.

“It’s a battle plan (that) we have for this malaria,” Minister of Health Horace Dalley declared. “There is no way it’s going to find root in this country again.”

The new cases, the ministry said in a release, included five children who had been hospitalised. The release said the cases continue to be confined to the Kingston 12, 13 and 14 areas in the communities of Delacree Park, Denham Town, Trench Town and Tivoli Gardens.

“The ministry of health is strongly recommending that all mass gatherings in these areas, such as “Passa-Passa”, be suspended for this week,” the release said.

Checks at the Denham Town Health Centre, which has been specially opened to test people for malaria, revealed that close to 20 people had come in by late yesterday afternoon. Doctors there said most people had a fever and results would be available by today.

“The people in these communities have been cooperating and we want to thank them for it,” Dalley said.

Meanwhile, Dalley said the plan to deal with the disease included mobilising retired health professionals and cleaning some drains in the affected areas.

Malaria is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito. The ministry said yesterday that four breeding sites for the mosquitoes had already been destroyed.

Symptoms of malaria include fever, flu-like symptoms with chills, headaches, muscle ache and tiredness. The disease is not contagious, but if left untreated may lead to severe complications and, eventually, death.

Friday, the ministry of health put the country on a malaria alert after four people in Kingston and St Catherine contracted the disease.

The ministry has since reported that surveillance teams would continue to work on finding and eliminating mosquito breeding sites and encouraged people to use insect repellent, and to go to the nearest health centre or doctor if they experience any symptoms of the disease.