2023-07-07 00:00:00
Florida Department of Health Reports Two More Locally Acquired Malaria Cases
Sarasota County, Florida – The Florida Department of Health has recently confirmed two additional cases of locally acquired malaria, bringing the total number of cases in 2023 to six. All six cases have been reported in Sarasota County and have been identified as Plasmodium vivax.
This recent development comes after the Florida Department of Health issued a statewide alert on June 26, warning residents about the increasing outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria.
Malaria is a severe and potentially fatal disease caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the Plasmodium genus. While infections with Plasmodium vivax tend to be less severe than other types of malaria, they can still result in chronic infection as the parasites remain dormant in the liver. Therefore, prompt investigation and treatment are crucial in suspected cases of malaria.
The primary mode of transmission for malaria is through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. However, in rare instances, the disease can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her fetus during pregnancy, as well as through contaminated blood, tissue, or needles. Regions with endemic malaria transmission include Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central America (including Mexico), and South America.
Authorities have urged residents in Sarasota County and surrounding areas to take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of contracting malaria. These precautions include using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating any standing water sources where mosquitos can breed.
The Florida Department of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and provide recommendations and guidance to residents. They advise individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, nausea, and muscle aches, particularly after visiting areas with endemic malaria, to seek immediate medical attention.
For more information about malaria and its prevention, the public is encouraged to visit the Florida Department of Health’s website, as well as the official websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Sources: floridahealth.gov,
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