Locally Acquired Malaria Case Confirmed in Maryland
Maryland has reported a case of locally acquired malaria, according to the state Department of Health. The infected individual, who resides in the Washington, D.C., area, was briefly hospitalized but is now recovering at home. The agency has not released further details about the person.
This case stands out as the first incident of locally acquired malaria in Maryland in over 40 years. The parasite responsible for the infection is Plasmodium falciparum, which can cause more severe illness compared to the strain found in recent cases in Florida and Texas.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported nine cases of locally acquired malaria this summer, making these the first cases in the US in 20 years. The majority of Americans who contract malaria do so while traveling abroad, particularly in regions such as Africa where the disease is more common. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, around 2,000 cases of malaria were reported each year in the US, mostly travel-related. Maryland alone sees about 200 travel-related cases annually.
Maryland Department of Health officials are urging residents who experience unexplained fever or other malaria symptoms, such as muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, to consult with their healthcare providers.
Health authorities emphasize that the risk of malaria transmission in the US remains extremely low. However, they encourage the use of bug spray to prevent mosquito bites both during travel and at home. Individuals traveling to malaria-prone areas can also take medication to reduce their chances of contracting the disease.
The Maryland Department of Health, together with local and federal health officials, is actively investigating the newly confirmed case and taking it very seriously. Early treatment of malaria is crucial in preventing complications, and individuals who develop symptoms after traveling abroad are advised to seek urgent medical care.
As the state continues to monitor the situation, authorities are committed to raising awareness about malaria prevention and taking necessary precautions to safeguard public health.