The United States has seen a rise in the number of locally acquired malaria cases, with the total now reaching seven across the country.
Florida health officials recently reported the detection of two additional cases of this mosquito-borne illness in Sarasota County, marking a concerning development.
Locally Acquired Malaria Cases Surge in the United States, Prompting Urgent Action
Just two weeks prior, four people in Sarasota County and one person in Cameron County, Texas were found to have contracted malaria.
As the situation unfolds, authorities are working diligently to contain the spread of the disease and prevent further cases.
ABC News reached out to the Texas Department of State Health Services to inquire about any additional cases in the state, but no immediate response was received.
These instances represent the first cases of locally acquired malaria in the United States since 2003, signaling a significant lapse in the prevention of this disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory last week, urging doctors and public health officials in affected areas to remain vigilant and watch out for further cases.
Malaria is caused by the bite of a mosquito infected with malaria parasites. The CDC has clarified that the disease is not contagious and cannot be transmitted directly from person to person.
Common symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Additionally, individuals infected with malaria may experience anemia and jaundice due to the loss of red blood cells.
Typically, approximately 2,000 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States each year, but these instances are usually among individuals who have traveled to countries where malaria transmission is common, such as regions in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
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Locally Acquired Malaria Raises Concerns Of Disease Reemergence in the United State
The recent occurrence of locally acquired malaria cases is a cause for concern, as it suggests a potential re-establishment of the disease within the country.
Historically, malaria was prevalent in the United States, but a public health campaign initiated in 1947 successfully eliminated transmission of the disease by 1950.
This campaign involved spraying insecticides on the interior surfaces of rural homes or entire premises in counties where malaria was widespread.
Additionally, efforts were made to remove mosquito breeding sites and improve drainage systems.
The success achieved in eradicating malaria made it a thing of the past in the United States for many decades.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2021, there were a staggering 247 million cases of malaria worldwide, resulting in 619,000 deaths.
These figures highlight the global impact of the disease and the importance of implementing effective prevention and treatment measures.
The CDC emphasizes the need for prompt testing and treatment of suspected malaria cases due to the potentially life-threatening nature of the disease.
Early detection and intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes and prevent complications.
As health officials continue to investigate the recent cases and work to contain the spread of malaria, communities must remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions.
Mosquito control measures, such as using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
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