CDC - Malaria - Malaria Cases: Greece

CDC - Malaria - Malaria Cases: Greece: Malaria Cases: Greece

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received a report, from the GeoSentinel Surveillance system of a confirmed case of Plasmodium vivax malaria in a person who traveled to Elos and Skala in southern Greece around the last week of July. The traveler had no history of travel to any malaria-endemic areas.

Greece has been malaria free since 1974; however according to Greek health authorities, since June 2011, a total of 6 malaria cases have been reported in persons with no history of travel to a malaria-endemic area. All cases were confirmed to be P vivax and occurred in the southern region (Peloponnesus) of the country, specifically in Laconia and Evoia districts.

The Hellenic CDC of Greece has responded by enhancing its surveillance system and intensifying mosquito control in affected areas, raising awareness among healthcare providers and hospitals about early malaria diagnosis and treatment, and educating the public about prevention of mosquito bites.

Because malaria risk in Greece is limited, and the country has implemented control measures, at this time CDC is not recommending that travelers to Greece take an antimalarial drug. However, measures to prevent mosquito bites should be taken, such as using insect repellent when outdoors, and staying in an air-conditioned or well-screened area, or sleeping under an insecticide treated bed net during the peak biting period for mosquitoes (dusk and dawn).

This notice will be updated as new information becomes available.

See the CDC Malaria website for additional health information about malaria including prevention of mosquito bites. For general health information for travelers to all areas of the world, see the CDC Traveler's Health website.

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