After Six Years, Local Malaria Cases Confirmed in Belize

Belize's Ministry of Health & Wellness recently announced the confirmation of locally transmitted malaria cases in Santa Elena Town and Cristo Rey Village, located in the Cayo District.

The initial case was detected on January 17, with additional instances detected on March 11 and April 5, 2025. Of the four confirmed cases in 2025, three are attributed to local transmission, and one is classified as imported from Guatemala.

Enhanced surveillance has been activated along the Western border, particularly in the Santa Elena neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Hillview, as well as Cristo Rey Village.

As of April 23, 2025, these malaria cases mark the first instances of local transmission in over six years. However, other Central American countries have also reported outbreaks of malaria.

While this development is of concern, Belize remains committed to maintaining its malaria-free status, which was first achieved in June 2023.

The Ministry says malaria is a febrile disease caused by parasites, transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Infected individuals typically experience episodes of fever with chills and sweating every 48 to 72 hours. 

The Ministry is actively testing individuals who currently have, or recently had, a fever within the past 30 days.

While malaria cases may continue in April, vaccines are not yet offered in the Region of the Americas.