The Portland health department has assured that measures have been taken to prevent the re-introduction of malaria, after a Haitian migrant, who recently arrived by boat, tested positive for the disease.

Jamaica is currently malaria free.

Medical officer of health for Portland Dr. Sharon Lewis said the infected male was among the group of over 40 Haitians, who landed at a beach in Long Bay, on May18.

Dr. Lewis noted that the man did not display any symptoms and that the test results came back the day after a group of Haitians, including the infected man, were repatriated to their home country.

Among the mitigation measures taken were destruction of the boat the Haitians came in and fogging of the area.

Dr. Lewis is reminding residents that anyone entering the country through means other than the legal ports must be reported to the authorities so that the necessary checks can be conducted.

She was giving the may health report at yesterday’s monthly meeting of the Portland Municipal Corporation.