Jamaica identifies two ‘imported’ cases of malaria – MOH
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Health (MOH) is reporting that two cases of malaria have been identified in the island.
In an advisory this afternoon, the ministry stated that both cases were imported.
The ministry said the first case was confirmed on January 5, and reported by the National Public Health Laboratory, while the second case was reported by a private laboratory a day later.
The advisory stated that the first case is from a Jamaican who was living in Ghana, and returned to Jamaica last November, while the second case is a male Indian national who arrived in Jamaica in March 2016.
Case investigation commenced immediately and the individuals were admitted to hospital, the ministry stated.
“The repeat blood smear for the second patient showed negative at the National Public Health Laboratory. Blood will be drawn nightly for at least three nights to determine the status of this patient,” the ministry explained.
Meanwhile, the Ministry stated that in 2016, there were three confirmed cases of imported malaria in two people. One person visited Gabon twice and returned to Jamaica with malaria on both occasions.