Panama's Malaria Outbreak Produces Two Fatalities

In 1904, the Isthmus of Panama reported that tropical diseases such as malaria led to the death of an estimated 12,000 workers during the Panama Canal project.

Over 100 years later, the mosquito-transmitted malaria continues to impact the health of the Republic of Panama.

On May 9, 2025, Panama's Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported that two deaths from malaria had been recorded in 2025. The victims were from Eastern Panama in February and from Veraguas in March.

These are Panama's first malaria-related fatalities since 2017.

In 2024, a total of 15,109 cases were reported, and in 2023, 11,659 malaria cases were reported. This data represents a sustained increase in the transmission of this disease.

Minsa stated that this increase has been linked to increased human mobility toward areas of active transmission and the effects of climate variability and change, which can favor the proliferation of the transmitting mosquito and contact with vulnerable populations. It urges citizens to collaborate actively with prevention strategies and seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms consistent with malaria.

Throughout 2025, several countries in the Region of the Americas have reported malaria outbreaks.

As of May 13, 2025, the U.S. CDC Yellow Book recommends that travelers to certain areas of Panama take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to a travel medicine professional about which malaria medication you should take.

Furthermore, while two malaria vaccines are being deployed in Africa, they have not been offered in the Americas.

Additionally, the CDC has included Panama in its Travel Health Advisories for Dengue and Oropouche outbreaks.