Two Imported Malaria Cases Confirmed in Toledo

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has confirmed two cases of malaria in Crique Sarco Village, Toledo District. Both infections came from outside Belize, which classifies them as imported cases.

Belize continues to hold its malaria‑free status, granted by the World Health Organization in 2023. This means mosquitoes in Belize are not spreading malaria from person to person.

Imported cases do not change that status, but they show the risk of malaria coming back if travellers bring it in from countries where the disease is still active.

Malaria can cause fever, chills, headache, body aches, sweating, tiredness, and nausea, with symptoms appearing 7 to 30 days after infection. Free testing and treatment are available at public health clinics, through community health workers, and via malaria volunteers.

The ministry also noted that Belize has the capacity to test for Chikungunya and Zika. No local transmission of Chikungunya has been detected since 2016, and Zika has not been reported since 2017.