First Malaria case discovered in US after decades

Five cases of malaria have been verified in Florida and Texas, marking the first time in 20 years that the potentially lethal mosquito-borne disease has been acquired locally in the United States, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The four Florida cases, as well as one in Texas, were identified over a two-month period, according to the FDA.

Florida reported its first case on May 26 in Sarasota County, while Texas reported on June 23 that a Texas resident who worked outdoors in Cameron County had been afflicted with the disease.

Malaria is considered a medical emergency, according to the CDC, and anyone experiencing symptoms should be “urgently evaluated.”

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The CDC, on the other hand, stated that the risk of malaria in the United States remained minimal, and that most instances are acquired when people travel outside of the nation. According to the WHO, 95% of malaria cases are contracted in Africa.

Malaria is caused by five different parasites transmitted by female mosquitos. Fever, chills, headache, muscle discomfort, and weariness are some of the symptoms. Nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting are also possible. Malaria can result in life-threatening complications such as renal failure, convulsions, and coma.

The state of Florida has issued a mosquito-borne sickness notice, advising residents to drain standing pools of water, inspect window screens for holes, and use insect repellent containing DEET to keep mosquitos at bay. When mosquitoes are prevalent, long-sleeved shirts and trousers are also advised.

The state of Texas has also issued a health advisory, asking clinicians to routinely collect a travel history to establish if a patient with malaria symptoms has spent time outdoors and been bitten by mosquitos in a malaria-infested location.