The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received official reports of two confirmed malaria cases in Great Exuma, Bahamas, in 2007. Although an outbreak was reported in late spring and summer of 2006, malaria is considered to be nonendemic on the islands of the Bahamas.

At present, CDC is recommending chloroquine as an antimalarial medication for travelers to Great Exuma. This recommendation is expected to be temporary and does not apply to other islands of the Bahamas. Chloroquine has a long history of use and safety and is well tolerated by most people, including children. People with an allergy to chloroquine should discuss an alternative antimalarial drug with their health-care provider.

Because antimalarial drugs are not 100 percent protective, travelers to Great Exuma, as well as other islands in the Bahamas, should take precautions to protect against mosquito bites. Use insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) on exposed skin surfaces when outdoors, particularly from dusk to dawn.

For more information log on to www.cdc.gov

Posted: October 22, 2007