The number of malaria cases is closing in on 300, despite continuing pronouncements from the Ministry of Health that the disease is under control.

The Health Ministry yesterday reported 278 cases of malaria since the outbreak began two months ago, 91 of which have been identified since January 1.

This is despite Health Minister Horace Dalley's suggestion to The Gleaner last year that the number of cases would peak at 80.

Meanwhile, as part of its efforts to stop the spread of malaria in the affected areas, the ministry has distributed 15,000 canisters of insecticides to households in the communities of Tivoli Gardens, Delacree Park, Greenwich Town, Denham Town, Union Gardens and areas of St. Catherine, in the past week.

Insecticide indoors

Dr. Eva Lewis-Fuller, acting head of the Malaria Prevention and Control Programme, said the use of the insecticide indoors will complement the ministry's mosquito control activities in the communities.

She said it would help to break the chain of transmission of the malaria parasite - plasmodium falciparum - between humans and mosquitoes.

Malaria Helpline

1888-663-5683/922-0024

Malaria is a life-threatening disease, which is caused by a parasite transmitted by the female anopheles mosquito.

Signs and symptoms of malaria

Fever (ongoing or on and off)
sweating
chills
headaches
weakness
vomiting