Travellers to Punta Cana in Dominican Republic develop malaria

Nineteen tourists from Puerto Rico who visited Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic have become ill with symptoms of malaria. The infection has been confirmed by laboratory tests in 14 of the 19.

Advice

Travellers to the tourist areas of Punta Cana should be aware of the risk of exposure to malaria. Any traveller to any region where malaria transmission is occurring can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Anti-malaria medication is recommended except for those who will stay within resorts and the cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago where the risk is very low.