The Ministry of Health Confirms Two Additional Cases of Malaria
Port of Spain, April 5, 2025: The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirms two additional Malaria cases in the same geographic location as the previous five cases in South Trinidad. This brings to seven, the total number of Malaria cases detected for 2025.
These cases have been detected as part of the Ministry’s enhanced surveillance activities currently being conducted by the Insect Vector Control Division (IVCD). This is consistent with the MOH’s wider established protocols utilised for the prevention and control of Malaria.
The MOH takes this opportunity to remind the public that Malaria is not endemic to Trinidad and Tobago at this time. Additionally, during the period 2015 to 2024 there have been 153 confirmed cases, which is an average of 15 cases per year. The majority of these cases are imported and/or introduced.
The public is advised that Malaria is a vector borne infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium species. The vector for Malaria is predominantly the Anophelesspecies of mosquito. This mosquito primarily bites during the night. It is noteworthy that unlike Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, Malaria is not spread by a virus. It is also important to note that the Aedes species of mosquito is not the primary vector for Malaria.
Early symptoms of Malaria include fever, chills, headaches and fatigue, which may start within 10-15 days of being bitten by an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Persons experiencing any of these symptoms should visit their nearest health facility.
The following high-risk groups, e.g., persons living in and around forested areas, farmers, hunters, members of the protective services who visits these areas, hikers and environmentalists, are advised to take the necessary precautions:
● Wear long sleeved, loose-fitting and light coloured clothing when possible,
● Use mosquito nets when sleeping,
● Use insect repellents, coils and vaporisers, where applicable.
The Ministry of Health will continue to keep the public updated as necessary. Additional information can be found via the Ministry’s website at www.health.gov.tt
