The Department of Public Health (MSP) reported a case of imported malaria Thursday night in a 52-year-old American man.
The note stated that the patient was sent to a health center in La Romana on August 1 after entering the country, and was diagnosed with pneumonia and a cerebrovascular accident.
The health department explained that, based on the medical history, the patient was transferred by ambulance from a cruise ship that arrived at the province’s port in August when he was admitted (11:28 a.m. on 1 August). 1. At the time of evaluation he was conscious and oriented, with a history of fever, dyspnea, and convulsions while on board.
On the evening of the admission, the health center notified the La Romana Provincial Health Department that the case was suspected of malaria and that a diagnostic test was performed on it, which came back positive, the report added.
A relative said that the patient had been to Benin, West Africa, from June 24 to July 18. After returning to the United States, he boarded a cruise ship on July 27 and initially developed fever symptoms.
The patient is currently in a fragile condition and was therefore transferred to a medical center in Santo Domingo, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit, where he received adequate treatment.
According to the epidemiological report, as of now, there have been no suspected cases.
The U.S. Embassy and the company operating the ship have been informed of the case, as required by the International Health Regulations.