In the previous two months, five cases of malaria that were locally spread by mosquitoes have been reported in the United States. In the nation, this represents the first occurrence of local transmission in the previous 20 years. Four cases were found in Florida and one case was found in Texas, according to a health alert sent on Monday by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The parasite that causes malaria spreads through mosquito bites. People who are infected may exhibit symptoms like fever, chills, and flu-like disease. The condition can cause serious consequences and even death if it is not treated. Notably, children in sub-Saharan Africa have seen the highest death rates in recent years.
Health officials are now cautioning doctors, particularly those in southern states where the climate is conducive to the tropical mosquitos that carry malaria, to remain alert to the possibility of infection. Furthermore, they are advised to consider the availability of intravenous drugs, which serve as the primary treatment for severe malaria in the United States, according to the CDC.
The agency has stated that all diagnosed individuals have received appropriate treatment and are showing signs of improvement. It is worth noting that approximately 2,000 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, with the majority occurring among travelers returning from countries where malaria is prevalent.
Since 1992, the United States has witnessed a total of 11 outbreaks involving malaria transmitted by mosquitos. The most recent outbreak took place in 2003 in Palm Beach County, Florida, where eight cases were reported. The current resurgence of locally transmitted cases highlights the importance of continued vigilance and preventative measures to curb the spread of malaria within the country.
