Summary of the Epidemiological Situation

The epidemiological situation regarding malaria changed significantly during the last quarter of 2023, with a sharp increase in malaria cases beginning in November, reaching levels not seen in five years.

Most infections occurred in gold-panning areas but also in previously unaffected sectors such as rural areas and dirt roads in the municipalities of Kourou, Montsinéry, and Roura, the village of Cacao and its surroundings, as well as St. Georges.

This high level of transmission persisted throughout January 2024; data collection regarding the presumed site of infection is currently underway for cases diagnosed since the beginning of the year.

The 2023 data is currently being consolidated; a report presenting the surveillance data will be available by the end of March.

Key figures

• 130 malaria cases diagnosed in the region, 15 patients hospitalized, 0 deaths.

• 127 P. vivax (Pv) cases, including 44 relapses (35%), and 3 P. falciparum (Pf) cases.

• 2 imported cases (Pf) and 9 locally acquired cases; investigations into the presumed site of infection are ongoing.