Health authorities have reported 90 confirmed malaria cases associated with the surroundings of Merca Panamá and a training group at Camino de Cruces National Park, expanding the public-health response in the capital’s metropolitan region.
Jonathan Guerra, metropolitan public-health chief, told TVN on November 4 that 85 cases involved people who stayed overnight in or entered the market’s surrounding area.
The other five patients were four students training as park rangers and an instructor who had been sleeping at Camino de Cruces, he said.
The figures concern the groups under investigation and are not a nationwide malaria tally. They also do not establish that every patient acquired the infection at the location with which they are associated.
TVN reported that authorities had conducted more than 600 laboratory tests through a fixed health post at Merca Panamá. Diagnosed patients were receiving supervised treatment, according to the report.
MiAmbiente had already announced reinforced surveillance at Camino de Cruces after detecting a positive case among its personnel. Its November 3 statement described fumigation, protective supplies and blood sampling, with another round of staff tests scheduled for November 5.
That statement said the park remained open and advised visitors to use insect repellent, long sleeves and long trousers.
Malaria is transmitted through infected mosquitoes. MINSA has specifically explained that food purchased at Merca Panamá is not a route of transmission and that ordinary contact with an infected person does not spread the disease.
Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache and general discomfort. MINSA advises people experiencing these symptoms, particularly after exposure in an affected area, to seek assessment promptly.
Sources: TVN, Minsa
