Two new cases of locally acquired malaria have been reported in Sarasota County, Florida. The cases were reported between June 25 and July 1, according to the Florida Health and Florida Arbovirus Surveillance. This comes after an alert was issued on June 19 for mosquito-borne illnesses in Sarasota and Manatee counties, following the initial report of two malaria cases. As of July 6, a total of six cases have been reported, all of which were locally acquired.
The outbreak is the largest seen since 2003, according to Dr. Iahn Gonsenhauser with Lee Health. While outbreaks like this are rare in the United States, mosquitoes are responsible for more deaths than any other animal. In response to the outbreak, scientists at the Lee County Mosquito Control District are trapping, testing, and treating disease-carrying mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are collected from traps spread out across the district, and when a species capable of carrying diseases like malaria is found, crews target the specific area where the mosquito was trapped.
The symptoms of malaria include general fatigue, similar to the feeling of having a bad flu, according to Dr. Gonsenhauser. However, malaria is treatable with medication, so individuals experiencing fever symptoms are advised to contact their doctors as soon as possible.
Most malaria cases in the United States are imported by travelers from countries where malaria is endemic, according to the CDC. However, locally acquired mosquito-transmitted malaria cases can occur, as Anopheles mosquito vectors exist throughout the country. In 2003, eight cases of locally acquired P. vivax malaria were identified in Palm Beach County, Florida.
The recent cases of locally acquired malaria in Sarasota County serve as a reminder for residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, especially during the summer months when mosquitoes are most active.
