Malaria in the Caribbean?

Malaria and divers are alike in that we like warm tropical places. In the South Pacific, locations such as Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomons, and Vanuatu carry varying degrees of risk. Fortunately, malaria has been eradicated throughout most of the Caribbean, with the exception of two places that are not likely dive destinations, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), malaria occurs throughout the year in many parts of Central America, including some urban areas. Belize is cited as having some risk in rural areas, forest preserves, and offshore islands, including the resort areas. Costa Rica has limited risk in the rural areas, except in the central highlands, where there is no risk. Although We have learned of some cases of malaria being contacted in the Bay Islands in the past, Honduras is listed as risky in rural areas only. As for Mexico, CDC says, travelers to the major resort areas on the Mexican Gulf and Pacific Coasts need no drugs for malaria prevention.

Information on malaria from the CDC can be retrieved by voice or fax on demand by calling 404-639-2572.