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.
What measures are being taken by the Lee County Mosquito Control District to address the recent outbreak of locally acquired malaria in Sarasota County, Florida?
Breaking News: New Cases of Locally Acquired Malaria Reported in Sarasota County, Florida
In a concerning development, two additional cases of locally acquired malaria have been reported in Sarasota County, Florida. These cases, recorded between June 25 and July 1, have raised the alarm among health officials. The Florida Health and Florida Arbovirus Surveillance have been closely monitoring the situation.
This recent outbreak follows the initial report of two malaria cases, which resulted in an alert being issued on June 19 for mosquito-borne illnesses in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The total number of locally acquired cases has now risen to six, making this the largest outbreak of its kind since 2003.
Dr. Iahn Gonsenhauser, an expert with Lee Health, acknowledges that while outbreaks like this are rare in the United States, mosquitoes still pose a significant threat. In fact, mosquitoes are responsible for more deaths than any other animal. This highlights the urgent need for action.
In response to the outbreak, scientists at the Lee County Mosquito Control District have intensified their efforts. They are actively trapping, testing, and treating disease-carrying mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are being collected from various traps situated across the district. Upon identification of a species capable of carrying diseases like malaria, targeted treatments are applied to the specific area where the mosquito was trapped.
Dr. Gonsenhauser advises individuals to be cautious and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with malaria. These symptoms, which include general fatigue resembling a severe flu, should not be taken lightly. Thankfully, malaria is treatable with medication. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals with fever symptoms to contact their healthcare providers promptly.
While most malaria cases in the United States are imported by travelers from countries where malaria is prevalent, locally acquired mosquito-transmitted cases are possible. This is due to the presence of Anopheles mosquito vectors throughout the country. In fact, in 2003, Palm Beach County, Florida, experienced eight cases of locally acquired P. vivax malaria.
The recent cases of locally acquired malaria in Sarasota County serve as a sobering reminder for residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, particularly during the summer months when mosquitoes are most active. Protecting oneself from mosquito-borne diseases should remain a top priority for everyone’s well-being.
Please stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.
