Confirmed: First Cases Of Malaria In 20 Years Within America
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Posted on Jun 28, 2023, 2 p.m.
The CDC has released an alert stating that malaria is a medical emergency and that anyone with symptoms should be urgently evaluated following the identification of locally acquired malaria cases in Florida and Texas within the last two months.
In Florida, four cases within close geographic proximity have been identified (Sarasota County), and one case has been identified in Texas (Cameron County). All patients have received treatment and are reported to be improving. Active surveillance for additional cases and control is ongoing. Both Florida and Texas areas have issued an alert and recommended drainage of standing pools of water, making sure that window screens are intact, and the use of repellents with DEET.
Locally acquired mosquito-borne malaria has not occurred within the United States since 2003 when there were eight cases identified in Palm Beach County, Florida. Despite these new cases, the CDC states that the risk of locally acquired malaria remains extremely low within America. Most cases of malaria infection are acquired from travel outside of the country with 95% being acquired in Africa.
Malaria is caused by the bite of female mosquitos carrying one of several species of parasites, this can prove to be life-threatening with organ damage, kidney failure, seizures, coma, and even death. Symptoms generally start 10 days to 4 weeks after infection and they can include but are not limited to fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue.
The CDC encourages people to use insect repellent while traveling as well as at home in the warmer months. Healthcare providers are being advised to routinely obtain travel history from patients to determine if those with symptoms could have been bitten by mosquitoes from active malaria hotspots, and they should also be attentive for signs of malaria in the regions where the new cases have been identified.
EPA-registered and CDC-recommended insect repellents include: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-methane-diol (PMD), and z-undecanone. When using these products follow the instructions on the label, reapply as directed, don’t spray skin under clothing, and do not apply to eyes, mouths, on cuts, or on inflamed skin.
For anyone who is concerned about a mosquito bite or symptoms that you may be experiencing after getting bit by a mosquito, please do not hesitate to contact your certified healthcare provider.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215638/
https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00494.asp
https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/surveillance.html
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/health-advisory-locally-acquired-malaria-case
https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/clinicians1.html
https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you
