For the first time in 20 years, there were indigenous malaria cases in the United States, with 4 cases in Florida and 1 case in Texas. Five cases were confirmed in the past two months. The last time there were local cases in the United States was in 2003, when a total of eight cases were found in Florida.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Monday that five patients have been treated and are improving. Authorities have alerted healthcare workers in southern states to watch for symptoms, warning that malaria should be considered a medical emergency and that anyone with symptoms should be “emergently evaluated”.
Florida’s first malaria case was detected in Sarasota County on May 26. Texas officials say a resident who works outdoors in Cameron County has been diagnosed with malaria.
The CDC noted that the risk of malaria in the United States remains low, and that most cases were acquired while traveling.
Malaria is caused by 5 parasites carried by certain female mosquitoes and can cause life-threatening injuries including kidney failure, seizures and coma. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue, and possibly Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Most of the deaths occurred in Africa, mostly children.
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Warning issued advising residents to spray mosquito repellent
Florida has issued a mosquito-borne disease warning and advised residents to empty standing water, ensure there are no holes in window screens and use repellent containing DEET to avoid mosquito bites. In addition, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are also recommended in mosquito-infested areas.
As for Texas, a health warning has also been issued, advising clinicians to routinely obtain travel records of patients to determine whether patients with malaria symptoms have been outdoors for a period of time or have been bitten by mosquitoes in malaria-active areas.
About 2,000 cases of malaria are recorded in the United States each year, most of which are caused by travel. Since 1992, the U.S. has experienced 11 outbreaks, up from eight cases in Palm County, Fla., in 2003.
For the first time in 20 years, there are new cases of malaria in the United States.Associated Press
2023-06-27 08:48:24
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