Two additional Malaria cases have been confirmed in the same geographic location as the previous five cases in South Trinidad.

A total of seven Malaria cases have now been detected in T&T for 2025.

What is Malaria?

The Ministry notes that unlike Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, Malaria is not spread by a virus.

Malaria is a vector borne infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium species.

This vector is predominantly spread by the Anopheles mosquito which primarily bites during the night.

The Ministry also reminds that Malaria is not endemic to T&T at this time.

Between 2015 to 2024, there have been 153 confirmed cases, which is an average of 15 cases per year.

The Ministry adds that the majority of these cases are imported and/or introduced.

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 visit 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.