Health authorities in Belize have confirmed two imported malaria cases detected in Crique Sarco Village, Toledo District, marking a significant public health development. According to Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health and Wellness, both patients had recently traveled to Guatemala and developed symptoms in mid-January before being formally diagnosed.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has intensified surveillance measures to prevent local transmission while maintaining Belize’s malaria-free status. Healthcare teams are conducting enhanced monitoring in affected and surrounding villages, testing residents for fever, joint pains, and other malaria symptoms. The national health system maintains capacity to test for multiple vector-borne illnesses including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, which present similar symptoms.
In a separate development, Belize experienced a January spike in influenza cases coinciding with an unusual cold front. The H3N2 influenza subtype mirrored outbreaks reported in the United States and Canada. While cases have since stabilized, health officials continue urging vaccination, with both flu and pneumococcal vaccines available at public and private health facilities.
Dr. Diaz-Musa also addressed the planned demolition of Port Loyola Polyclinic in Belize City, which was condemned due to mold contamination. Services have been relocated to the Welcome Resource Center, which now provides comprehensive care including psychiatric services, counseling, and basic necessities. Demolition is expected within the next month, with new construction anticipated to commence within a year.
The ministry reported significant recovery in vaccination rates post-COVID, particularly noting HPV vaccination coverage improving from 38% to 76% in 2025, advancing cervical cancer elimination goals.