Malaria in Colombia

27 Jul 2023

Public health authorities in Colombia (bulletin 28, in Spanish) are reporting outbreaks of malaria in several departments of the country. 

The affected departments where there is a high risk of malaria are: Antioquia, Cauca, Choco, Cordoba, Guaviare and Risaralda. 

Advice for Travellers 

Malaria is a potentially serious infection that is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. 

If you travelling to Colombia, you should: 

• understand your risk of malaria, given the current increase in cases  
• know how to protect yourself against mosquito bites at all times during your trip – this will help prevent malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue  
• talk to a travel health professional to find out if you may need to take tablets to prevent malaria (antimalarials) during your trip (high risk areas and people at higher risk of disease)

If you develop a high temperature (fever) during your trip, or if you have recently returned from a country where malaria is a risk, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and tell the doctor about your recent travel history. 

Malaria Map

Please be advised the malaria maps are not usually updated when outbreaks of malaria occur unless the risk increases on a more permanent basis.  

• Country-specific malaria text should always be checked and followed for the most up to date information on risk areas and prevention advice.

See the fitfortravel malaria section for further information.