Malaria outbreak mounts in Burundi

It has been reported that there have been more than 8.5 million cases ─ double the 4.4 million cases that occurred in 2018 and the highest seen in the last five years.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an advisory for travellers to the country. Advice is for travellers to prevent malaria infection by taking prescription medicine and measures to prevent mosquito bites.

The World Health Organization said that the transmission of malaria infection continues in Burundi despite ongoing control interventions. It has called for continuous mobilisation of funds for operations aimed at containing the outbreak.

It is also important that travellers are up to date on routine vaccinations: for infants this means one dose of MMR vaccine before travel, while people aged 12 months or older with no evidence of immunity should receive two doses of MMR vaccine before travel, given 28 days apart. For people aged 12 months old or older who have written documentation of one dose and no other evidence of immunity, one additional dose is recommended before travel, at least 28 days after the previous dose.

Travellers who develop a fever while in Burundi or after travelling to Burundi are advised to seek immediate medical care.