In the past two months, the United States has witnessed the occurrence of five cases of malaria transmitted by mosquitoes. This marks the first instance of local transmission in the country in the last 20 years. Consequently, authorities have issued a public health alert on Monday, urging doctors, public health officials, and the general public to be aware of the risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed that four cases were detected in southwest Florida, while one case was reported in southern Texas. These incidents represent the first locally transmitted cases of malaria in the United States in two decades.
The CDC emphasized the urgency of treating malaria as a medical emergency, recommending that individuals suspected of having the disease be promptly evaluated at a medical facility capable of providing rapid diagnosis and treatment within 24 hours of presentation.
According to the CDC, malaria is a severe illness transmitted through the bite of infected female anopheline mosquitoes. While malaria can be a life-threatening condition, the CDC stated that illness and death resulting from the disease are generally preventable.
The CDC clarified that there is no evidence linking the five cases in the two states, Florida and Texas. The four cases in Florida were specifically identified in Sarasota County, leading the Florida Department of Health to issue a statewide advisory regarding mosquito-borne illnesses. In Texas, only one case was identified in a resident of Cameron County who had spent time working outdoors, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Both the Florida and Texas health departments have stated that they are actively monitoring local mosquito populations and conducting surveillance in their respective regions to identify any additional cases. The Florida Department of Health also mentioned its efforts to control the mosquito population in Sarasota County.
The CDC assured that all five patients have received appropriate treatment for malaria and are currently showing signs of improvement. The last known instances of locally acquired malaria in the United States were reported in 2003, when eight cases were identified in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Rare chance to catch Malaria
Malaria remains a rare occurrence in the United States, even with the identification of five recent cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have emphasized that the risk of contracting malaria in the country “remains extremely low.”
However, the CDC has issued a warning regarding female anopheline mosquitoes, which can be found in many regions of the country. If these mosquitoes bite an individual already infected with malaria, they can transmit the disease.
The CDC highlighted that the risk is higher in areas where local climate conditions support the survival of Anopheles mosquitoes throughout most or all of the year, as well as in areas where individuals from malaria-endemic regions are present.
Globally, there are over 240 million cases of malaria reported each year, with approximately 95% of these cases occurring in Africa, according to the CDC. In the United States, the majority of cases are from individuals who have traveled from countries with malaria transmission.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC reported around 2,000 cases of malaria in the United States each year, predominantly related to travel, and approximately 300 individuals experienced severe manifestations of the disease.
Malaria can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, unsafe needle-sharing, and from mother to fetus, as per the CDC. With summer international travel increasing to pre-pandemic levels, the CDC warned of a potential rise in imported cases and advised using bug spray during warmer months.
Common symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. While symptoms typically appear within 10 days to four weeks after infection, they can also manifest up to a year later.
A report by Climate Central reveals that over the past few decades, more than 170 locations in the US have experienced an increase in “mosquito days” due to rising temperatures and humidity. This creates a more favorable environment for mosquitoes, extending their activity and potential disease transmission.
To minimize mosquito populations, it is crucial to eliminate standing water in and around your home. This includes checking areas like trays under potted plants, old tires, dog dishes, tree holes, rain barrels, gutters, and garbage cans, which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.