Five U.S. malaria cases have been confirmed in Florida and Texas. It is the first time the potentially fatal, mosquito-borne disease has been acquired in the United States in 20 years. Four cases were in Florida and one case was in Texas. The cases were identified in Sarasota County, Florida, and Cameron County, Texas. All five people were treated and are recovering.
CDC on alert
The CDC released an alert Monday which stated that malaria is a medical emergency, and that anyone with symptoms should be “urgently evaluated.” Officials note, however, that the risk of malaria in the United States is “extremely low.” Most cases are acquired from travel outside of the country. 95 percent of malaria infections are acquired in Africa.
Malaria is caused by several species of a parasite carried by female mosquitoes. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting are also common
It can be life-threatening, with organ damage, including kidney failure, seizures, and coma. Symptoms typically start about 10 days to 4 weeks after infection. But people can get sick as late as a year after their initial infection.
Florida has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert and recommended drainage of standing pools of water, making sure that window screens are intact, and using mosquito repellents that contain DEET.
Related: Have A New Mosquito Fish? Here’s How To Take Care Of It
With the busy summer travel season upon us, more people could bring the disease back to the U.S., warn experts. The CDC encourages people to use insect repellent while traveling and when at home, especially in the warmer summer months.
The CDC also suggests that doctors should be attentive for signs of malaria, especially doctors practicing in the regions where the new cases occurred.
